Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS After Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by current leadership to restructure operations of a prominent American news organisations.
Paramount is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her support of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has garnered notice for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a larger initiative to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the majority of the country longs for news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the deal were not revealed. Paramount would not address reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to reach all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by government authorities this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to install an external reviewer at CBS to examine complaints of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would include a variety of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news content including recorded segments can be shared.
In a message announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she stated.
