Ex- New York Times Columnist to Lead CBS After Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has named former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the most recent initiative by current leadership to reshape operations of one of America's leading news organisations.
Paramount is additionally purchasing 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 criticised broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Prominent writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the majority of the country desires news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the deal were not made public. Paramount declined to comment reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison made his name 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 journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to engage all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to install an external reviewer at CBS to review complaints of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a variety of opinions.
He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be distributed.
In a note revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his management group.
"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she commented.