Former New York Times Journalist Takes Over CBS After Paramount Deal

The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the latest initiative by recent acquirers to reshape activities of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming overly political, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her support of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has received recognition for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

Prominent authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader effort to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We believe the majority of the country wants news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the deal were not made public. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison built his career 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 reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by regulators this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review complaints of bias and promised to authorities that programming would showcase a variety of perspectives.

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

Partnership Details

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

In a message declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, universal realities, and a common reality," she stated.