Former NYT Writer Takes Over CBS After Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the newest move by new owners to restructure operations of one of America's leading news outlets.
The company is also buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is known for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has received recognition for reports such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger effort to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We are convinced the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood film producer of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to engage all viewers.
His acquisition of Paramount was approved by government authorities this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review allegations of prejudice and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a diversity of opinions.
He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.
In a statement announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group.
"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she commented.
