Former New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest move by recent acquirers to reshape workings of one of America's leading news networks.
The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".
Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, 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 analysis of some photos used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader initiative to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country wants news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the agreement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to engage all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by regulators this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess allegations of partiality and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a diversity of opinions.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.
In a statement announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she stated.
