🔗 Share this article Former NYT Columnist Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Merger The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the newest step by new owners to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news organisations. The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming overly political, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount. Background of the Executive Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture". From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paying members. It has drawn attention for coverage such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza. Prominent writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen. Future Direction Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news". "We believe the bulk of the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said. More Change at CBS Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money. Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters 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 potential to connect with all viewers. His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a court case. To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review allegations of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that programming would reflect a range of perspectives. He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations. Alliance Facts CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news content including visual material can be exchanged. In a statement declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his leadership team. "They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she commented.