Former NYT Columnist Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has named ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the latest initiative by recent acquirers to restructure activities of a major US news networks.
The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Background of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger initiative to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the bulk of the country desires news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Specifics of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to engage all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by government authorities this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.
To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to install an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of bias and promised to authorities that coverage would reflect a range of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.
In a message announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.
