Ex- New York Times Journalist Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Deal
Paramount has appointed ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent step by recent acquirers to reshape operations of a prominent American news outlets.
Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".
From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has garnered notice for coverage such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.
Notable writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Strategic Plans
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We think the majority of the country wants news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Additional Shifts at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment stories that the company 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 objective is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to engage all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was approved by government authorities this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.
To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of bias and promised to oversight bodies that content would reflect a range of view points.
He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including recorded segments can be distributed.
In a message declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, universal realities, and a common reality," she commented.
