Ex- NYT Journalist Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Deal
Paramount has named ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the newest initiative by new owners to restructure operations of a major US news outlets.
The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has garnered notice for coverage such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger effort to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We are convinced the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address reports that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to reach all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess complaints of prejudice and vowed to regulators that programming would showcase a range of perspectives.
He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news material including visual material can be exchanged.
In a note declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a common reality," she commented.
