Ex- NYT Columnist Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Deal

Paramount has selected ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the latest move by current leadership to reshape workings of one of America's leading news outlets.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is known for her support of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.

It has received recognition for articles such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

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

Future Direction

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

"We are convinced the greater part of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the agreement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment reports that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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

He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to reach all demographics.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by government authorities this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to install an external reviewer at CBS to examine allegations of bias and promised to oversight bodies that content would showcase a diversity of perspectives.

He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.

Partnership Details

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

In a message announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.