🔗 Share this article

Paramount has selected ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the newest step by recent acquirers to restructure activities of a major US news networks.

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

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".

From its inception as a email publication 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 feature critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We are convinced the greater part of the country wants news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

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

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

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and vowed to regulators that coverage would reflect a variety of perspectives.

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

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.

In a note revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.