Ex- NYT Journalist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Acquisition

Executive portrait

Paramount has named ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to restructure workings of one of America's leading news networks.

Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger effort to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We are convinced the greater part of the country desires news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the corporation 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 less partisan, and therefore has the potential to reach all demographics.

His acquisition of Paramount was approved by regulators this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of bias and promised to regulators that programming would include a diversity of opinions.

He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news reporting including visual material can be shared.

In a message declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, common truths, and a shared perspective," she stated.

Sherri Merritt
Sherri Merritt

A passionate travel writer and local guide with deep roots in Lombok, sharing authentic stories and expert advice.