Ex- New York Times Columnist Takes Over CBS After Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has named former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the most recent initiative by current leadership to reorganize operations of a major US news networks.
The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her support of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.
It has received recognition for coverage such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the majority of the country desires news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
More Change at CBS
Terms of the deal were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood film producer of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to reach all demographics.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by government authorities this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess complaints of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a range of opinions.
He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.
In a note declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, universal realities, and a common reality," she wrote.
