🔗 Share this article

The media conglomerate has selected former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent move by new owners to reshape workings of a prominent American news outlets.

Paramount is also acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has garnered notice for articles such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Big name contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

"We are convinced the majority of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison made his name 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 coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to connect with all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine concerns of bias and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a diversity of view points.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news reporting including video footage can be exchanged.

In a note announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she wrote.