Ex- New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS After Paramount Merger
Paramount has appointed ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the newest move by new owners to reshape activities of one of America's leading news outlets.
The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has received recognition for articles such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.
Big name 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 broader initiative to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the bulk of the country wants news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to engage all viewers.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess complaints of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that content would reflect a diversity of perspectives.
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 another major network, meaning news material including recorded segments can be shared.
In a message declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.