🔗 Share this article Former New York Times Journalist Appointed to Head CBS Following Paramount Acquisition Paramount has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to reshape workings of one of America's leading news networks. Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount. Background of the Executive Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture". From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paying members. It has received recognition for coverage such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by established media to depict famine in Gaza. Notable writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen. Strategic Plans Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a larger initiative to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news". "We are convinced the greater part of the country desires news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said. More Change at CBS Details of the agreement were not made public. Paramount would not address accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency. Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z. He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to reach all demographics. His takeover of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a court case. To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review allegations of partiality and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would include a diversity of view points. He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations. Partnership Details CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news material including recorded segments can be exchanged. In a note announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his executive staff. "They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she commented.