Ex- NYT Writer Appointed to Head CBS After Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has named former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent step by current leadership to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news networks.
The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Profile of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.
It has received recognition for coverage such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger effort to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the majority of the country desires news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
More Change at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.
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 objective is to produce journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to engage all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to install an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of bias and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a range of view points.
He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news material including visual material can be distributed.
In a statement announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.
