Former NYT Columnist Takes Over CBS After Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the latest initiative by current leadership to reshape operations of one of America's leading news outlets.
Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background 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 "woke culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger campaign to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country wants news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to reach all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by regulators this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.
To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review concerns of partiality and promised to authorities that programming would reflect a variety of opinions.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including video footage can be exchanged.
In a message announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she stated.
