Former New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS After Paramount Deal

Paramount has selected ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the most recent move by current leadership to restructure operations of one of America's leading news networks.

Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.

It has garnered notice for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

Big name authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

"We think the bulk of the country desires news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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 aim is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to engage all demographics.

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

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of bias and vowed to authorities that programming would reflect a diversity of perspectives.

He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news reporting including video footage can be exchanged.

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

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.