Ex- New York Times Columnist Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Merger
The media conglomerate has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the newest move by current leadership to restructure workings of one of America's leading news outlets.
The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.
Profile of the Appointee
Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".
From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.
It has drawn attention for coverage such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.
Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Vision for CBS
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader initiative to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".
"We are convinced the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.
More Change at CBS
Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
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 aim is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all audiences.
His purchase of Paramount was cleared by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.
To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess complaints of prejudice and committed to authorities that coverage would reflect a variety of perspectives.
He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.
Alliance Facts
CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.
In a message declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they have faith 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, common truths, and a unified worldview," she commented.
