Former New York Times Columnist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the newest move by new owners to restructure activities of a major US news outlets.
The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.
It has garnered notice for articles such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger effort to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the greater part of the country longs for news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Details of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount would not address stories 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 aim is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to reach all viewers.
His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess complaints of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would include a range of view points.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news content including video footage can be distributed.
In a statement declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she stated.
