Former NYT Journalist to Lead CBS After Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has named former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to restructure workings of a major US news outlets.
Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
History of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.
It has garnered notice for reports such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Big name authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader campaign to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the greater part of the country desires news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison built his career 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 coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.
To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess concerns of bias and committed to authorities that programming would include a range of opinions.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be distributed.
In a statement declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.
"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she wrote.
