Kenneth R. Weinstein has been named CBS Information ombudsman by the community’s dad or mum firm, Paramount.
Reporting to Jeff Shell, Paramount’s president, Weinstein will function an unbiased, inside advocate for journalistic integrity and transparency, reviewing considerations raised by workers and viewers, addressing questions on information protection, and upholding the group’s longstanding dedication to accuracy and accountability.
All CBS Information complaints from no matter get together will probably be directed to Weinstein, who will then evaluate them and decide their validity. In the event that they require additional motion, these complaints will probably be put in entrance of Shell and George Cheeks, Paramount’s chair of TV media.
If a dedication is made that an motion is required, the trio will deal with it with CBS Information’ president and govt editor, Tom Cibrowski, who will suggest and implement any obligatory motion steps throughout the information division.
“We look ahead to welcoming Ken as our new ombudsman. At a time when belief in media is extra vital than ever, this new position reinforces our dedication to reality, belief, and accountability,” mentioned Shell in an announcement. “I’ve identified him for a few years and have nice respect for his integrity, sound judgment, and considerate strategy to advanced points. Ken brings not solely a wealth of advisory expertise in media and past but in addition a peaceful, measured perspective that makes him exceptionally well-suited to function our ombudsman.”
Weinstein was beforehand president and CEO of Hudson Institute, presently holding the Japan Chair. He has additionally served beneath 4 U.S. administrations as a member of a number of federal advisory boards, together with chairing the Broadcasting Board of Governors (now the US Company for International Media).
“I’m honored to function ombudsman for CBS Information, probably the most revered journalistic establishments on the planet. I look ahead to supporting the proficient workforce behind its reporting and to stewarding public belief on this vital establishment,” Weinstein mentioned.
Skydance Media beforehand informed the FCC it could set up an ombudsman at CBS after the information community had a 12 months of political controversies with the Donald Trump administration. The FCC cleared Skydance’s $8 billion merger with Paramount shortly after the ombudsman announcement.
The set up of the ombudsman follows CBS Information’ announcement on Friday of a brand new coverage affecting its Sunday public affairs program, Face the Nation. Transferring ahead, it should broadcast its dwell or live-to-tape interviews of their entirety.
Excluded from this process are interviews which are “topic to nationwide safety or authorized restrictions,” and in accordance with The Washington Put up, this new change will solely have an effect on Face the Nation and never its different information applications.
