Former NYT Columnist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the newest step by new owners to restructure workings of a major US news organisations.
Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger initiative to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was cleared by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a diversity of view points.
He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including video footage can be exchanged.
In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she stated.
