Ex- New York Times Journalist Appointed to Head CBS After Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the latest step by new owners to reorganize operations of a prominent American news outlets.
Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for reports such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Big name contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We think the majority of the country desires news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Specifics of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood film producer 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 politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to engage all audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was approved by government authorities this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and committed to authorities that coverage would include a diversity of perspectives.
He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news material including recorded segments can be shared.
In a statement declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.
"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she stated.
