Ex- New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Deal

The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the newest step by recent acquirers to restructure operations of a prominent American news outlets.

Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the Appointee

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

From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has garnered notice for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.

Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger initiative to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to reach all viewers.

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine concerns of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that content would showcase a range of view points.

He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news material including visual material can be distributed.

In a message announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she commented.