Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has appointed ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent step by new owners to reshape activities of a major US news networks.
The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has received recognition for coverage such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger campaign to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country desires news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to engage all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to install an external reviewer at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that content would include a range of view points.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.
In a statement announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his management group.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, common truths, and a shared perspective," she stated.
