Former NYT Journalist to Lead CBS Post Paramount Deal
Paramount has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the newest initiative by new owners to reshape workings of one of America's leading news organisations.
Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is known for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".
Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Prominent authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger initiative to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
More Change at CBS
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was approved by government authorities this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review allegations of bias and committed to regulators that coverage would include a range of opinions.
He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a note revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she wrote.