Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Merger
Paramount has appointed ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by new owners to reorganize workings of a prominent American news networks.
Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".
Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We are convinced 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
Specifics of the agreement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all viewers.
His takeover of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to examine allegations of prejudice and committed to authorities that programming would reflect a range of perspectives.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news reporting including video footage can be distributed.
In a statement announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.
"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she wrote.
