Former New York Times Columnist to Lead CBS Post Paramount Deal
Paramount has named former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the latest step by recent acquirers to reorganize operations of a major US news outlets.
Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".
Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger campaign to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country wants news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
More Change at CBS
Specifics of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood movie maker 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 more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to engage all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine allegations of bias and promised to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a range of view points.
He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including video footage can be distributed.
In a note revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.
