Former New York Times Columnist Takes Over CBS After Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has appointed ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the newest move by new owners to reshape workings of a prominent American news organisations.
The company is also acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was taken over 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 recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".
Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for coverage such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.
Prominent authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the bulk of the country longs for news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Specifics of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
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 aim is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to engage all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and vowed to authorities that programming would showcase a range of perspectives.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she wrote.
