Ex- NYT Journalist to Lead CBS Following Paramount Merger

The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the latest initiative by new owners to reorganize operations of a major US news organisations.

Paramount is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".

From its inception 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 coverage such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger campaign to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We believe the bulk of the country wants news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all demographics.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that content would showcase a range of opinions.

He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including recorded segments can be distributed.

In a note revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she stated.