Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS After Paramount Deal
The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest step by recent acquirers to reshape workings of one of America's leading news organisations.
The company is additionally buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".
Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paying members.
It has drawn attention for reports such as a article critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.
Prominent contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader effort to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the bulk 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
Details of the deal were not made public. Paramount declined to comment stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to connect with all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was authorized by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review concerns of bias and promised to authorities that content would reflect a range of view points.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.
In a note declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, agreed principles, and a common reality," she commented.
