Ex- NYT Journalist Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has selected former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to restructure activities of a major US news organisations.
The company is additionally buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Background of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".
Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.
It has drawn attention for coverage such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger campaign to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We think the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood movie maker 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 politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to engage all demographics.
His purchase of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess complaints of partiality and committed to regulators that coverage would showcase a variety of perspectives.
He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.
In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.
"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she commented.
