Former NYT Journalist Appointed to Head CBS Post Paramount Merger
Paramount has appointed ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to restructure activities of a major US news networks.
Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".
Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has received recognition for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger effort to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We believe the bulk of the country desires news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of blockbusters 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 capacity to reach all audiences.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review complaints of bias and promised to regulators that coverage would reflect a range of view points.
He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news content including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a message declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.
"They are doubling down 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 prosper without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she wrote.
