Ex- New York Times Writer to Lead CBS Post Paramount Deal

Paramount has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the most recent step by recent acquirers to restructure workings of a prominent American news organisations.

Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Big name contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

"We are convinced the greater part of the country desires news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all viewers.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess concerns of prejudice and vowed to regulators that coverage would include a range of perspectives.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be exchanged.

In a note revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she wrote.