🔗 Share this article Ex- New York Times Journalist Takes Over CBS Following Paramount Deal Paramount has named former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the latest move by recent acquirers to restructure activities of a prominent American news outlets. The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount. Background of the Appointee Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture". Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers. It has received recognition for articles such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza. Big name writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen. Vision for CBS Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news". "We think the majority of the country wants news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said. More Change at CBS Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency. Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z. He has said his goal is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to reach all viewers. His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action. To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and promised to authorities that programming would include a range of opinions. He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions. Partnership Details CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including video footage can be exchanged. In a message announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his management group. "They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she stated.