🔗 Share this article

Paramount has named former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the latest move by current leadership to reshape operations of one of America's leading news organisations.

Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.

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

Background of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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

He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to reach all viewers.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to examine complaints of partiality and committed to authorities that content would include a range of view points.

He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including visual material can be shared.

In a statement revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his management group.

"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she commented.