Former New York Times Writer to Lead CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the newest move by recent acquirers to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news outlets.
Paramount is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader initiative to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country desires news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all audiences.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.
To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would include a variety of perspectives.
He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.
In a note revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.
"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she stated.
