Ex- New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has selected former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by new owners to reshape workings of one of America's leading news organisations.
The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is known for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel 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 received recognition for coverage such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader initiative to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the deal were not revealed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of prejudice and vowed to authorities that content would showcase a range of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news material including recorded segments can be exchanged.
In a message announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she wrote.
