Ex- NYT Columnist Appointed to Head CBS Post Paramount Merger

The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the most recent initiative by current leadership to reshape operations of a prominent American news organisations.

Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is noted for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

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

More Change at CBS

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

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

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to reach all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and committed to regulators that content would showcase a range 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 working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including visual material can be exchanged.

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

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.