🔗 Share this article Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Merger The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest initiative by recent acquirers to reshape operations of a major US news outlets. The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount. Background of the Appointee Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her support of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture". Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paying members. It has garnered notice for articles such as a article 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 contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen. Future Direction Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger campaign to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news". "We think the majority of the country wants news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said. More Change at CBS Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount would not address accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money. Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 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 resolve a court case. To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess concerns of partiality and vowed to authorities that coverage would showcase a variety of perspectives. He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews. Alliance Facts CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news content including recorded segments can be shared. In a message announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff. "They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she commented.