Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has named ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the newest move by recent acquirers to reshape activities of one of America's leading news organisations.
Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
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 photos used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.
Big name authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger initiative to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the bulk of the country desires news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the deal were not made public. Paramount would not address reports that the company 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 coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to engage all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess concerns of partiality and committed to regulators that programming would include a diversity of opinions.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a statement announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.
"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, universal realities, and a common reality," she wrote.
