In a significant development within the media landscape, Paramount has acquired The Free Press in a transaction valued at $150 million.
This acquisition marks a notable shift in the media industry, with The Free Press co-founder and CEO, Bari Weiss, being appointed as the editor-in-chief of CBS News. Weiss is known for her outspoken stance against progressivism, cancel culture, and her pro-Israel and anti-woke positions.
According to The Gateway Pundit, this move comes amid a broader editorial shift at CBS News, highlighted by the departure of Claudia Milne, the head of the network's standards and practices unit. Milne's exit is being perceived as a significant change, given her involvement in several controversial decisions at CBS.
In 2023, Milne and other CBS executives reportedly prohibited the use of the term 'transgender' in the aftermath of the Covenant School shooting, perpetrated by Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a biological female identifying as a transgender male. A memo obtained by The New York Post at the time stated, The shooters gender identity has not been confirmed by CBS News, and advised against mentioning it unless its relevance to the crime was established.
Milne's departure is seen by some as a response to her role in what has been described as the 'woke mob' at CBS News. A CBS insider remarked on the significance of her exit, suggesting it indicates an editorial shift under Weiss's leadership, calling it "Baris first scalp." This change is expected to influence how CBS News operates moving forward, potentially aligning more closely with Weiss's vision for journalism.
In her farewell note, Milne reflected on the challenges facing the media industry, stating, We live in complicated times. For our company, for our industry and for our country. And its times like this that what we do matters most. She emphasized the importance of journalism in holding the powerful accountable, a sentiment that resonates with traditional journalistic values.
Weiss, upon assuming her new role, expressed her commitment to honest journalism. She shared on X, They said that the internet killed journalism forever and that there simply werent enough Americans out there in search of media driven by honesty, independence, and integrity. You proved them wrong.
Weiss's statement underscores her belief in a substantial market for truthful reporting and her determination to lead The Free Press and CBS News in pursuing this mission. She affirmed her continued leadership as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Free Press, alongside hosting her show, signaling her dedication to maintaining the integrity and independence of her journalistic endeavors.
This acquisition and the subsequent editorial changes at CBS News reflect a broader trend in the media industry, where traditional values and independent journalism are increasingly being emphasized. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the impact of these changes on the industry and its audience remains to be seen.
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