Paramount has named Kenneth R. Weinstein, former head of a conservative-leaning Washington suppose tank, to be ombudsman for CBS Information, fulfilling a situation of profitable the Trump administration’s approval for an $8-billion merger.
The corporate introduced Monday “that complaints from customers, workers and others” about CBS Information tales will go to Weinstein, who will assist decide if remedial motion is critical.
Weinstein, who served as president and chief govt of the Hudson Institute, will report back to Jeff Shell, who’s president of Paramount beneath new proprietor and CEO David Ellison.
Weinstein will handle complaints about information protection in session with Shell, CBS President and CEO George Cheeks and CBS Information Govt Editor Tom Cibrowski.
Paramount purchaser Skydance Media agreed to nominate an ombudsman with a view to get regulatory clearance for its acquisition of the media firm, which closed in August.
The Federal Communications Fee mentioned Skydance agreed to decide to “viewpoint variety, nondiscrimination and enhanced localism” in its information protection when the company introduced its approval of the deal.
“Individuals not belief the legacy nationwide information media to report totally, precisely, and pretty. It’s time for a change,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr mentioned in an announcement on the time of the approval. “That’s the reason I welcome Skydance’s dedication to make vital modifications on the as soon as storied CBS broadcast community.”
Underneath Skydance’s possession, CBS Information has already proven a willingness to reply to Trump White Home beefs with its protection. On Friday the division introduced a brand new coverage for its Washington public affairs program “Face the Nation,” which can not edit taped interviews.
The coverage shift got here after U.S. Division of Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem complained that her Aug. 31 “Face the Nation” interview, which was trimmed for time, deleted harsh allegations in opposition to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man wrongly deported to his native El Salvador. He was returned to the U.S., the place he faces deportation efforts.
Along with his work on the Hudson Institute, the place he nonetheless holds a chair, Weinstein served on a number of advisory boards together with the US Company for World Media when it was generally known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The company, at present headed on an interim foundation by Kari Lake, oversees the funding for government-run media shops akin to Voice of America.
Weinstein additionally holds a doctorate in authorities from Harvard College and has taught political concept at Georgetown College and Claremont McKenna Faculty.
“I’ve recognized [Weinstein] for a few years and have respect for his integrity, sound judgment and considerate method to complicated points,” Shell mentioned in an announcement. “Ken brings not solely a wealth of expertise in media and past but additionally a relaxed measured perspective that makes him exceptionally well-suited to function our Ombudsman.”
