Former New York Times Writer to Lead CBS Post Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has selected former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the latest step by current leadership to restructure activities of a prominent American news organisations.
Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Background of the Executive
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".
Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger effort to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
More Change at CBS
Specifics of the deal were not revealed. Paramount would not address 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 less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all demographics.
His takeover of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to create an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that content would reflect a range of opinions.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including visual material can be shared.
In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his management group.
"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, common truths, and a shared perspective," she wrote.
