Former NYT Writer Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
The media conglomerate has selected former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the latest initiative by current leadership to reorganize activities of a prominent American news outlets.
Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".
Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paying members.
It has received recognition for reports such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger initiative to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Specifics of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to engage all demographics.
His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review complaints of bias and promised to authorities that coverage would showcase a diversity of opinions.
He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a statement announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a shared perspective," she wrote.
