🔗 Share this article

The media conglomerate has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the newest step by recent acquirers to reshape activities of a major US news networks.

The company is also acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her support of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".

From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has drawn attention for coverage such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker 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 credible name in news".

"We think the greater part of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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 aim is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to reach all viewers.

His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of prejudice and vowed to authorities that content would showcase a variety of perspectives.

He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including video footage can be distributed.

In a note announcing the agreement, 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 conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she wrote.