Former NYT Journalist Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the newest move by current leadership to reshape activities of a prominent American news networks.
The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her support of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".
Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader campaign to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We believe the bulk of the country longs for news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to reach all audiences.
His acquisition of Paramount was approved by government authorities this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to review complaints of partiality and promised to regulators that programming would include a range of view points.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including visual material can be distributed.
In a statement announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.
"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 mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she stated.