Former NYT Writer to Lead CBS Following Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has selected ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by new owners to reorganize workings of one of America's leading news organisations.
The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming overly political, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her support of Israel and her questioning 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 paying members.
It has drawn attention for coverage such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader campaign to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country longs for news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator 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 partisan, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by regulators this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess complaints of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a diversity of opinions.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including recorded segments can be shared.
In a message declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.
"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a common reality," she commented.
