Ex- NYT Columnist Appointed to Head CBS After Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the newest step by current leadership to reshape workings of one of America's leading news networks.
The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger initiative to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Details of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to connect with all viewers.
His acquisition of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review complaints of bias and vowed to authorities that coverage would showcase a diversity of view points.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news reporting including video footage can be exchanged.
In a message announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she wrote.
