🔗 Share this article

The media conglomerate has named former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the newest step by new owners to reorganize operations of a prominent American news organisations.

Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

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

Profile of the Executive

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

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the company 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 reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to reach all viewers.

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

To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of partiality and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a variety of view points.

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

Alliance Facts

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

In a statement revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his management group.

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she commented.