Former New York Times Columnist Appointed to Head CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has named former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest initiative by new owners to reorganize activities of a prominent American news outlets.
Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for articles such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country desires news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
More Change at CBS
Terms of the deal were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to connect with all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.
To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of partiality and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a range of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news content including visual material can be shared.
In a statement announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she stated.
