Former New York Times Columnist Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Merger
Paramount has selected former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the newest move by new owners to restructure workings of a major US news outlets.
Paramount is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the greater part of the country longs for news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment reports that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
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 goal is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all audiences.
His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and committed to regulators that programming would include a variety of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.
In a message revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.
"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.
