CBS News names conservative policy veteran as ombudsman

The new owner of CBS News has hired conservative policy veteran Kenneth R. Weinstein, former president and CEO of Hudson Institute, to be the news outlet's ombudsman.

New owner Paramount made the announcement Monday.

The move comes amid the network's challenge to compete with the country's two other premier, long-time TV news outlets, ABC News and NBC News, and heavy pressure from President Trump about what he and others consider CBS News' political bias. 

In July, Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to settle a legal dispute with Trump regarding an interview last fall the network broadcast with his presidential race rival – Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump alleges the network deceptively edited the interview, which aired on its "60 Minutes" news program, to "tip the scales in favor of the Democratic Party." Paramount did not include a statement of apology or regret.

Last week, CBS changed its interview policy after Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem made similar complaints about her recent "Face the Nation" interview.

From now on, CBS will now only broadcast live or live-to-tape interviews so that the television audience can see the full, unedited interview.

In the ombudsman role, Weinstein will review editorial questions and concerns from outside entities and employees.

He was president and CEO of Hudson Institute from 2011 until 2020 and is currently the public policy think tank's Japan chair. 

Over the last four U.S. administrations, he has served on multiple federal advisory boards. Weinstein was also the chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, now the United States Agency for Global Media, from 2017 until 2020.

"We look forward to welcoming Ken as our new Ombudsman," Paramount President Jeff Shell said in a statement. "At a time when trust in media is more important than ever, this new role reinforces our commitment to truth, trust, and accountability.

Said Weinstein: "I am honored to serve as Ombudsman for CBS News, one of the most respected journalistic institutions in the world," Weinstein said in a statement. "I look forward to supporting the talented team behind its reporting and to stewarding public trust in this critical institution."