Former NYT Writer Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has named former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the latest move by recent acquirers to reshape operations of a prominent American news networks.
Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her support 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 over 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has drawn attention 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 established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader campaign to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to connect with all viewers.
His takeover of Paramount was authorized by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.
To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to install an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of bias and vowed to authorities that content would include a variety of opinions.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news content including recorded segments can be exchanged.
In a note revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she wrote.
