🔗 Share this article

Paramount has named former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent move by new owners to restructure activities of a prominent American news networks.

Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is known for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has received recognition for articles such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.

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

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader initiative to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

"We believe the greater part of the country longs for news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison built his career 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 coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to connect with all demographics.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of bias and vowed to authorities that content would reflect a range of view points.

He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including video footage can be exchanged.

In a message revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.

"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she stated.