Ex- New York Times Journalist Appointed to Head CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has named former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest initiative by current leadership to restructure workings of one of America's leading news outlets.
The company is additionally buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paying members.
It has garnered notice for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger campaign to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country longs for news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Details of the deal were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies 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 ability to engage all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of partiality and vowed to regulators that content would showcase a range of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a message declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.
