Ex- New York Times Columnist Takes Over CBS After Paramount Acquisition
Paramount has selected former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the most recent step by new owners to reshape activities of one of America's leading news organisations.
Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Background of the New Leader
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her support of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Future Direction
Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We believe the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
More Change at CBS
Details of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
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 aim is to produce journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to reach all viewers.
His purchase of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.
To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to install an external reviewer at CBS to review complaints of bias and promised to authorities that content would showcase a range of perspectives.
He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.
Partnership Details
CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be exchanged.
In a statement declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.
