Former NYT Writer to Lead CBS Following Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest step by new owners to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news organisations.
Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming overly political, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger effort to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We think the greater part of the country longs for news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison built his career 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 reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to reach all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was approved by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review complaints of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would showcase a diversity of perspectives.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.
In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his management group.
"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 thrive without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.
