🔗 Share this article Ex- New York Times Journalist Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Merger Paramount has selected former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the newest step by recent acquirers to restructure operations of a prominent American news organisations. Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount. Profile of the Executive Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture". Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters. It has received recognition for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza. Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen. Vision for CBS Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger campaign to update programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news". "We think the majority of the country desires news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said. Additional Shifts at CBS Details of the deal were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency. Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z. He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to engage all audiences. His purchase of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit. To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of bias and committed to authorities that content would reflect a diversity of opinions. He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations. Collaboration Information CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including recorded segments can be distributed. In a message declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his management group. "They are making significant investments because they believe 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, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.