Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent initiative by current leadership to reorganize operations of a prominent American news networks.
The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming overly political, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
History of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is known for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has received recognition for articles such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to connect with all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.
To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and committed to regulators that coverage would reflect a variety of opinions.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.
In a message revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she stated.