Ex- New York Times Journalist Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Merger

The media conglomerate has named former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest move by recent acquirers to reshape operations of one of America's leading news outlets.

Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

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

It has received recognition for coverage such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

Notable writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger effort to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We think the greater part of the country desires news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Details of the deal were not made public. Paramount declined to comment reports that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by regulators this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and committed to authorities that coverage would showcase a variety of opinions.

He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news content including recorded segments can be shared.

In a statement declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, common truths, and a shared perspective," she wrote.