Ex- NYT Writer Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Deal
Paramount has named ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the latest initiative by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a prominent American news outlets.
Paramount is also acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.
Background of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paying members.
It has received recognition for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader initiative to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We think the greater part of the country desires news that is balanced 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 company 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 aim is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to connect with all audiences.
His takeover of Paramount was approved by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess concerns of partiality and vowed to regulators that programming would reflect a range of perspectives.
He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.
Collaboration Information
CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.
In a statement announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she stated.
