Ex- New York Times Writer to Lead CBS Post Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the newest step by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a major US news organisations.
The company is additionally buying 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 questioned broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has received recognition for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Prominent writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger effort to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We think the bulk of the country longs for news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Details of the deal were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to connect with all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of bias and promised to oversight bodies that content would showcase a diversity of view points.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a note declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, common truths, and a common reality," she wrote.
