Ex- New York Times Writer Appointed to Head CBS After Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has named former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent move by new owners to restructure workings of one of America's leading news outlets.
Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for articles such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader campaign to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the bulk of the country longs for news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the deal were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
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 objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.
To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess allegations of bias and promised to authorities that programming would showcase a variety of opinions.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news material including recorded segments can be exchanged.
In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his management group.
"They are doubling down because they believe 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, common truths, and a common reality," she wrote.
