🔗 Share this article Former New York Times Journalist Appointed to Head CBS After Paramount Deal The media conglomerate has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the newest initiative by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a prominent American news networks. The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount. Profile of the New Leader Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture". Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters. It has drawn attention for coverage such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza. Notable writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen. Strategic Plans Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger campaign to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news". "We believe the majority of the country desires news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said. Additional Shifts at CBS Details of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash. Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z. He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to engage all audiences. His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a court case. To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to examine complaints of bias and promised to authorities that programming would include a range of view points. He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions. Collaboration Information CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be shared. In a message declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his management group. "They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, common truths, and a shared perspective," she stated.