🔗 Share this article

Paramount has selected ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest step by current leadership to reshape workings of a prominent American news organisations.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has garnered notice for reports such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist 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 source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to engage all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and committed to authorities that programming would reflect a diversity of opinions.

He also said CBS's established 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 material including visual material can be shared.

In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.