🔗 Share this article Former NYT Journalist to Lead CBS Post Paramount Acquisition The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the newest initiative by new owners to reshape workings of a major US news networks. The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming too partisan, said she was eager 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 Executive Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her support of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture". Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members. It has drawn attention for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza. Big name writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen. Strategic Plans Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger campaign to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news". "We think the majority of the country wants news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said. More Change at CBS Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency. Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of blockbusters 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 audiences. His acquisition of Paramount was approved by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case. To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to create an external reviewer at CBS to assess concerns of prejudice and committed to authorities that coverage would include a range of view points. He also 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 distributed. In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff. "They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.