Former NYT Writer Appointed to Head CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest initiative by current leadership to reshape activities of a prominent American news networks.
The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
History of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".
Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for reports such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Big name contributors include scholar 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 effort to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We think the majority of the country desires news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.
To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to review complaints of bias and promised to authorities that coverage would include a range of perspectives.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be exchanged.
In a note announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his management group.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.
