Former New York Times Writer to Lead CBS After Paramount Deal

Paramount has appointed ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the most recent move by recent acquirers to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.

It has received recognition for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

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

Future Direction

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

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

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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

He has said his goal is to produce journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to engage all audiences.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess allegations of partiality and vowed to authorities that programming would reflect a variety of opinions.

He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news content including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a note announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his management group.

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she wrote.