Former NYT Writer to Lead CBS Post Paramount Deal

The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by new owners to reshape operations of a prominent American news outlets.

Paramount is furthermore buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is noted for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has received recognition for coverage such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader campaign to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We believe the greater part of the country longs for news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not made public. Paramount would not address accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all demographics.

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of partiality and vowed to authorities that content would reflect a range of perspectives.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including video footage can be shared.

In a statement revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, common truths, and a shared perspective," she stated.