Ex- New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has named former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest initiative by current leadership to reshape operations of one of America's leading news outlets.
The company is also acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has garnered notice for reports such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Prominent contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader effort to modernize programming 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 truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Terms of the deal were not made public. Paramount would not address reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to engage all viewers.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.
To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine complaints of partiality and vowed to regulators that content would showcase a variety of opinions.
He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news material including video footage can be distributed.
In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount executive and his management group.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she commented.
