Former New York Times Writer Appointed to Head CBS After Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the most recent step by new owners to reshape workings of a prominent American news networks.
The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her support of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".
Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger effort to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We think the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess allegations of partiality and committed to oversight bodies that content would reflect a variety of view points.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be exchanged.
In a statement announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.