🔗 Share this article Former NYT Writer Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Deal Paramount has named ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by new owners to reorganize operations of a major US news outlets. Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated 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 purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount. Background of the Appointee Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture". Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters. It has garnered notice for articles such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza. Big name writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen. Strategic Plans Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news". "We think the bulk of the country wants news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said. More Change at CBS Terms of the agreement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money. Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z. He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to connect with all viewers. His acquisition of Paramount was approved by government authorities this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case. To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess allegations of bias and committed to authorities that programming would include a diversity of view points. He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews. Collaboration Information CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news material including recorded segments can be shared. In a message announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his leadership team. "They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she stated.