🔗 Share this article Ex- NYT Columnist to Lead CBS After Paramount Acquisition Paramount has selected ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the newest move by recent acquirers to reshape workings of a major US news organisations. Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount. History of the Executive Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture". Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters. It has drawn attention for reports such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza. Notable writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen. Vision for CBS Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger initiative to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news". "We believe the majority of the country desires news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said. Additional Shifts at CBS Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency. 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 goal is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to engage all audiences. His acquisition 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 pledged to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine concerns of bias and promised to authorities that content would include a range of perspectives. He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions. Partnership Details CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including visual material can be shared. In a statement declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff. "They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she stated.