🔗 Share this article Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Acquisition Paramount has named former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent step by current leadership to reshape workings of a major US news outlets. The company is also buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount. Background of the New Leader Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture". Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters. It has garnered notice for articles such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza. Prominent authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen. Strategic Plans Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a larger initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news". "We think the majority of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said. Further Developments at CBS Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount would not address accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency. Mr Ellison made his name 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 journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all viewers. His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action. To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine concerns of bias and promised to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a range of opinions. He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions. Partnership Details CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be shared. In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his management group. "They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she stated.