Ex- New York Times Writer Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the latest move by new owners to reshape activities of a prominent American news networks.
Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for coverage such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger campaign to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the greater part of the country longs for news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Details of the deal were not revealed. Paramount would not address reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
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 aim is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to connect with all audiences.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that content would include a variety of opinions.
He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including visual material can be distributed.
In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.
