Former New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Deal
Paramount has appointed ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the most recent initiative by new owners to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news networks.
The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her support of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".
Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.
It has garnered notice for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Big name authors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a larger effort to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the majority of the country wants news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Details of the agreement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to connect with all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was authorized by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.
To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to install an external reviewer at CBS to examine allegations of bias and promised to regulators that coverage would showcase a range of opinions.
He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news reporting including video footage can be distributed.
In a note declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his management group.
"They are doubling down 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 common facts, universal realities, and a common reality," she wrote.
