Former NYT Writer to Lead CBS Following Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has selected former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent move by recent acquirers to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news networks.
The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
History of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for articles such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Big name authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger campaign to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We believe the majority of the country desires news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
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 potential to reach all demographics.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by regulators this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review allegations of partiality and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would include a diversity of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news content including video footage can be shared.
In a statement declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.
"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she commented.
