Ex- NYT Writer Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest step by current leadership to restructure workings of one of America's leading news organisations.
The company is additionally buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger campaign to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country wants news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker 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 capacity to reach all audiences.
His acquisition of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review complaints of partiality and promised to regulators that coverage would reflect a range of view points.
He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.
In a note declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she stated.
