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Bari Weiss, Digital Media Veteran, Named CBS News Editor-in-Chief

Bari Weiss, known for her digital media work, takes the helm at CBS News. Can she lead the legacy network into the digital age?

In this image in the center there is one news paper, and some text is written in that newspaper.
In this image in the center there is one news paper, and some text is written in that newspaper.

Bari Weiss, Digital Media Veteran, Named CBS News Editor-in-Chief

Paramount, under new owner David Ellison, is shaking up CBS News. Bari Weiss, previously known for her digital media business, the Free Press, has been appointed as CBS News Editor-in-Chief. She will report to David Ellison and work alongside CBS News President Tom Cibrowski.

The appointment comes after a recent Trump-related legal settlement and is part of Ellison's efforts to revamp the traditional network. Paramount has agreed to buy Weiss' digital media business, Free Press, for around $150 million in cash and stock. Weiss, 41, will take on a major role in shaping CBS News coverage, despite having no previous experience in television. This rapid rise has sparked scrutiny and questions about her ability to navigate CBS' entrenched newsroom culture and retain the network's existing audience.

The move is part of Skydance Media's plans to make significant changes to CBS, as promised during its $8-billion merger. Industry observers wonder if the founder of a lean digital operation like Free Press can lead a legacy TV news organization with over 1,000 employees. Kenneth R. Weinstein has been appointed as the ombudsman to handle complaints about CBS News coverage.

Bari Weiss' appointment as CBS News Editor-in-Chief signals a significant shift in the network's leadership. As Paramount continues to reshape CBS News, the industry awaits to see how Weiss' digital background will influence the network's traditional broadcast news coverage.

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