Ex- New York Times Columnist Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has named former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the newest initiative by new owners to restructure workings of a prominent American news outlets.
The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for coverage such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger campaign to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".
"We think the greater part of the country longs for news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by regulators this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review concerns of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that content would showcase a range of opinions.
He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news content including video footage can be exchanged.
In a statement revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his management group.
"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she wrote.
