Former NYT Journalist Appointed to Head CBS After Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest move by new owners to restructure activities of a prominent American news networks.
Paramount is also acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".
Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for reports such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We are convinced the bulk of the country desires news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
More Change at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to reach all audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was approved by regulators this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of bias and committed to oversight bodies that programming would include a diversity of perspectives.
He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news material including recorded segments can be shared.
In a note announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group.
"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she stated.
