🔗 Share this article

Paramount has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the latest move by current leadership to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news outlets.

The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming overly political, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is known for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has received recognition for reports such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Big name authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader campaign to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We are convinced the bulk of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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 aim is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to reach all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and vowed to regulators that coverage would showcase a range of perspectives.

He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news content including recorded segments can be distributed.

In a note announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his management group.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.