Former NYT Writer Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has selected ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent step by current leadership to restructure activities of a prominent American news networks.
The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
History of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is known for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paying members.
It has received recognition for reports such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.
Big name contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger campaign to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the majority of the country wants news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all viewers.
His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by regulators this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a court case.
To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine concerns of prejudice and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a range of opinions.
He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be exchanged.
In a statement declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his management group.
"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she stated.
