Bari Weiss to Lead CBS News After Paramount Deal
Paramount has announced that former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss will lead CBS News, following a deal worth $150 million for The Free Press, the digital outlet she founded after leaving the Times. Weiss's appointment marks the latest move by new owners to reshape one of America's leading news organizations.
The deal, which includes purchasing The Free Press, has raised concerns among some on the left due to the involvement of David Ellison, son of tech billionaire and Trump ally Larry Ellison. However, Weiss expressed her excitement about putting her stamp on CBS News, stating, "I'm thrilled to join CBS News at this pivotal moment in its history."
Weiss's background as a writer for Jewish news outlets and her support for Israel have been the subject of scrutiny in the past. Her departure from the New York Times was acrimonious, with some criticizing her for promoting a biased perspective.
The Free Press, which began as a newsletter in 2021, has attracted over 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers. The outlet has drawn attention for reports such as an investigation into photos and a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, Uri Berliner.
Weiss's appointment to lead CBS News comes after the network was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount. This move marks a significant shift in the leadership of CBS News, which has been criticized for becoming too partisan.
The deal has sparked debate among media experts and critics, who are questioning the implications of Weiss's appointment on the network's editorial direction. Some have expressed concerns that her views may influence the reporting and coverage at CBS News.
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for Paramount stated, "We believe Bari Weiss is an exceptional journalist with a proven track record of producing high-quality content. We are confident that she will bring a fresh perspective to CBS News."
The future of CBS News under Weiss's leadership remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the network will undergo significant changes in the coming months. As Weiss takes the reins, it will be interesting to see how her vision for the network shapes its coverage and reporting.
Background:
Bari Weiss was a prominent opinion writer at the New York Times from 2017 until her departure in 2020. Her tenure at the Times was marked by controversy, with some criticizing her for promoting a biased perspective.
The Free Press, which began as a newsletter in 2021, has attracted over 1.5 million subscribers and has become a significant player in the digital media landscape.
Paramount's acquisition of The Free Press is part of a larger deal worth $150 million, marking one of the largest acquisitions in the history of digital media.
Additional Perspectives:
Media experts have expressed concerns about Weiss's appointment to lead CBS News, citing her past controversies and potential influence on the network's editorial direction.
Some have praised Weiss's appointment as an opportunity for CBS News to shake up its reporting and coverage. Others have criticized the deal, arguing that it represents a shift towards more partisan journalism.
Current Status:
The future of CBS News under Weiss's leadership remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the network will undergo significant changes in the coming months.
As Weiss takes the reins, it will be interesting to see how her vision for the network shapes its coverage and reporting.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
