🔗 Share this article Former NYT Writer Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Acquisition The media conglomerate has named former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest initiative by new owners to reshape activities of a major US news outlets. Paramount is also acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount. History of the Executive Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture". Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers. It has drawn attention for coverage such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza. Prominent authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen. Future Direction Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news". "We think the greater part of the country desires news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said. Further Developments at CBS Specifics of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount would not address accounts that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency. Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z. He has said his aim is to produce journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to reach all audiences. His takeover of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit. To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and vowed to regulators that content would reflect a range of view points. He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations. Partnership Details CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news content including recorded segments can be exchanged. In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his leadership team. "They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.