Former New York Times Writer Appointed to Head CBS After Paramount Deal
Paramount has appointed ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the newest step by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a major US news organisations.
The company is additionally buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for coverage such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
More Change at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to engage all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by government authorities this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess concerns of bias and committed to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a variety of opinions.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be distributed.
In a statement revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his management group.
"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, agreed principles, and a common reality," she stated.
