Former NYT Columnist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Deal
Paramount has appointed former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent step by new owners to reshape activities of one of America's leading news networks.
The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is recognized for her support of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for articles such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader initiative to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We believe the bulk of the country wants news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all demographics.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine concerns of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a diversity of opinions.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news material including visual material can be exchanged.
In a note declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she wrote.
