🔗 Share this article Ex- New York Times Columnist Appointed to Head CBS Post Paramount Deal The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the latest step by current leadership to reshape activities of a prominent American news organisations. The company is also buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming overly political, 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 New Leader Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her support of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture". From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters. It has garnered notice for coverage such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza. Prominent contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen. Vision for CBS Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader initiative to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news". "We believe the greater part of the country desires news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said. More Change at CBS Terms of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency. 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 objective is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to engage all audiences. His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a legal action. To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and promised to authorities that content would include a range of perspectives. He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions. Alliance Facts CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including recorded segments can be exchanged. In a message announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff. "They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, universal realities, and a common reality," she stated.