Former New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has selected former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by new owners to reshape workings of one of America's leading news organisations.
Paramount is furthermore buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader effort to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the greater part of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to reach all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to review allegations of prejudice and promised to authorities that coverage would include a range of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news content including video footage can be distributed.
In a statement declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she wrote.