🔗 Share this article

The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by current leadership to reshape operations of a major US news organisations.

Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for coverage such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Big name writers include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader campaign to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We are convinced the bulk of the country longs for news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

More Change at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 partisan, and therefore has the potential to engage all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine allegations of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would reflect a range of perspectives.

He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a message revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.