Former New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS After Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has named ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest move by current leadership to reshape workings of one of America's leading news networks.
The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is known for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a article critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader initiative to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the bulk of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
More Change at CBS
Terms of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to engage all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was approved by regulators this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and committed to regulators that coverage would showcase a diversity of opinions.
He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including video footage can be shared.
In a note announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she wrote.