Ex- New York Times Journalist Appointed to Head CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has named ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the latest move by new owners to reshape activities of a prominent American news outlets.
The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for reports such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable writers include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a larger initiative to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the greater part of the country desires news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood movie maker 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 less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to reach all demographics.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by regulators this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.
To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and vowed to authorities that programming would reflect a diversity of view points.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news reporting including video footage can be shared.
In a statement revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she wrote.
