Ex- New York Times Journalist Takes Over CBS After Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has named former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by current leadership to restructure workings of a prominent American news networks.
Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was acquired 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 publications, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".
Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for reports such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.
Prominent writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger initiative to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We believe the greater part of the country desires news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Specifics of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.
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 goal is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was approved by government authorities this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.
To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine complaints of partiality and committed to authorities that programming would include a variety of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news material including video footage can be distributed.
In a statement revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she commented.
