Former NYT Writer to Lead CBS After Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has selected ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent initiative by new owners to reorganize workings of a major US news networks.
The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
History of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is known for her support of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paying members.
It has garnered notice for coverage such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger initiative to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We believe the majority of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review concerns of prejudice and committed to regulators that content would include a range of view points.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news content including visual material can be exchanged.
In a statement declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.
