Former NYT Journalist to Lead CBS Post Paramount Deal
Paramount has named ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to reshape activities of a prominent American news networks.
Paramount is also acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for reports such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the majority of the country wants news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Details of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to engage all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to install an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of prejudice and promised to authorities that programming would include a variety of perspectives.
He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.
In a message announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.
"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.
