Paramount Acquires The Free Press, Names Bari Weiss CBS News Editor-in-Chief Amidst Concerns of Rightward Shift
Paramount acquired Bari Weiss's The Free Press for $150 million, appointing her as CBS News editor-in-chief. This new role sparks concerns about a potential rightward shift.
Overview
- Paramount Skydance acquired The Free Press, a digital media outlet founded by Bari Weiss in 2021, for $150 million, marking a significant media industry transaction.
- Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press, has been appointed as the new editor-in-chief of CBS News, a newly created role, reporting directly to Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison.
- Weiss, known for her center-right criticism, aims to make CBS News the most trusted news organization globally, while also addressing concerns about a potential rightward shift.
- The appointment has raised concerns within CBS News about the division becoming more favorable towards President Donald Trump, signaling a shift under new ownership.
- The Free Press, which grew to 1.5 million subscribers, will maintain its independent brand and operations, with Weiss continuing as its CEO alongside her CBS News leadership.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the acquisition of The Free Press by Paramount and Bari Weiss's appointment at CBS News in a neutral, factual manner. They focus on reporting the event directly, detailing the parties involved, the terms of the acquisition, and including relevant statements from Weiss without editorializing or using loaded language. The coverage prioritizes clarity and information dissemination.
"Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount."
BBC News"The Free Press acquisition is a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" she is excited for, promising subscribers that the "journalism based in curiosity and honesty," wouldn't be going anywhere."
USA TODAY"Paramount said Monday that it has bought the news and commentary website The Free Press and installed its founder, Bari Weiss, as the editor-in-chief of CBS News, saying it believes the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based."
Associated Press"The combination brings together CBS News' scale and reach with The Free Press' culture-shaping voice and innovative spirit, united in the pursuit of setting a new standard for trusted journalism in America."
CBS News"This partnership allows our ethos of fearless, independent journalism to reach an enormous, diverse, and influential audience."
NBC News"We are thrilled to welcome Bari and The Free Press to Paramount and CBS News."
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FAQ
Bari Weiss is a journalist known for her center-right perspectives. She has worked at The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and founded The Free Press. Her background may contribute to concerns about a rightward shift in CBS News.
The acquisition signifies a major transaction in the media industry, potentially altering the way news is disseminated and perceived. It could influence the editorial direction of CBS News and The Free Press.
Concerns surround a potential rightward shift in CBS News' editorial stance, possibly favoring conservative viewpoints similar to those associated with President Donald Trump.
History
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