Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Deal
Paramount has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the latest step by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a prominent American news outlets.
The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".
Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.
It has received recognition for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader effort to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We believe the majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
Further Developments at CBS
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address reports that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.
Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.
He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.
To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess concerns of bias and promised to regulators that content would showcase a range of perspectives.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.
In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she commented.
