Former New York Times Journalist Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has selected former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to reorganize activities of a prominent American news outlets.
Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has received recognition for articles such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger effort to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the greater part of the country longs for news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the agreement were not made public. 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 hit movies 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 ability to engage all viewers.
His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that content would include a diversity of perspectives.
He also said CBS's established 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 reporting including video footage can be shared.
In a message revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully 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 shared information, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she stated.