Former New York Times Journalist Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Acquisition

The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the most recent step by new owners to reshape workings of one of America's leading news outlets.

The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Background of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for reports such as a article critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

"We are convinced the bulk of the country wants news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

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

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to reach all demographics.

His purchase of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that content would include a diversity of opinions.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including video footage can be shared.

In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

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