Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the newest move by new owners to reshape workings of one of America's leading news outlets.
Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for reports such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Prominent authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger initiative to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We think the majority of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to engage all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.
To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess complaints of partiality and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a diversity of opinions.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.
In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.
