Ex- New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS After Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has selected ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest move by current leadership to restructure operations of a prominent American news organisations.
The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.
It has garnered notice for coverage such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Prominent writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger effort to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country longs for news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Details of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator 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 audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and committed to authorities that coverage would showcase a variety of perspectives.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.
In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his management group.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, common truths, and a common reality," she commented.
