🔗 Share this article

The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the latest initiative by new owners to restructure workings of a major US news outlets.

Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is noted for her support of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger campaign to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We are convinced the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all audiences.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of prejudice and committed to regulators that coverage would reflect a variety of opinions.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news content including visual material can be exchanged.

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

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she wrote.