Former NYT Journalist Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent step by recent acquirers to restructure workings of a prominent American news organisations.
Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a agreement reported 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 in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is noted for her support of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a larger effort to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We think the majority of the country desires news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to reach all viewers.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess complaints of prejudice and vowed to regulators that coverage would reflect a diversity of view points.
He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news content including recorded segments can be exchanged.
In a note declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she commented.
