🔗 Share this article

The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by current leadership to reorganize operations of a prominent American news organisations.

Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has received recognition for coverage such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger initiative 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 fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies 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 capacity to connect with all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review concerns of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would reflect a range of opinions.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Partnership Details

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

In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his management group.

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she stated.