Ex- New York Times Columnist Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Merger

The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the newest initiative by new owners to restructure workings of one of America's leading news outlets.

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

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is known 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 attracted 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for coverage such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

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

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger effort to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We are convinced the bulk of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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

He has said his aim is to produce journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to connect with all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by government authorities this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that programming would include a variety of view points.

He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news content including visual material can be distributed.

In a statement revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she wrote.