Billionaire's CBS News Takeover Raises Red Flags Over Bias and Agenda

Billionaire's Acquisition of CBS News Raises Concerns Over Bias David Ellison, the billionaire owner of Skydance, has made a significant move in the world of journalism by acquiring The Free Press, a conservative outlet, and appointing its founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. This development has sparked concerns over the potential for bias in network television news. Weiss, known for her uncompromising support for Israel and demonization of Palestinians and their advocates, will now oversee the massive CBS News journalism operation. Ellison's acquisition of The Free Press and his appointment of Weiss as editor-in-chief drops the pretense of any independence at the network. "Only a billionaire could look at the sclerotic state of network television news and conclude that the problem is that coverage is not sufficiently to the right," said Eoin Higgins, author of Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voice on the Left. The acquisition has raised questions about the impact on CBS News's editorial independence. "CBS News has not exactly been hostile to right-wing politics in the U.S., but Weiss's elevation drops the pretense of any independence at the network," Higgins said. The Free Press has a history of stoking genocide denial and promoting conspiracy theories, which has raised concerns about the potential for similar content on CBS News. Ellison, son of billionaire tech mogul Larry Ellison, is known for his uncompromising support for Israel and demonization of Palestinians and their advocates. His acquisition of The Free Press and appointment of Weiss as editor-in-chief raises questions about the influence of billionaires in shaping media narratives. Background context: Network television news has been criticized for its lack of diversity in perspectives and viewpoints. While CBS News has not been hostile to right-wing politics, the appointment of Weiss as editor-in-chief suggests a shift towards a more conservative agenda. This development has sparked concerns among journalists, academics, and civil society organizations about the potential impact on media independence and the dissemination of accurate information. Additional perspectives: The acquisition has also raised questions about the role of billionaires in shaping media narratives. "Billionaires have been buying up media outlets left and right, and it's clear that they're using their influence to shape public opinion," said Higgins. This trend raises concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals and the potential for censorship. Current status: The acquisition is still pending regulatory approval, but it has already sparked controversy within the journalism community. CBS News has not commented on the appointment of Weiss as editor-in-chief, but the network's parent company, Paramount, has released a statement saying that the acquisition will not affect the editorial independence of CBS News. Next developments: The outcome of this development remains uncertain, but it is clear that it will have significant implications for media independence and the dissemination of accurate information. As Higgins noted, "The influence of billionaires in shaping media narratives is a trend that needs to be closely monitored and addressed." *Reporting by Theintercept.*