🔗 Share this article Former New York Times Journalist to Lead CBS Post Paramount Merger Paramount has selected former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by current leadership to reshape workings of a major US news networks. Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount. Profile of the Executive Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture". From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers. It has received recognition for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza. Notable writers include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen. Strategic Plans Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger campaign to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news". "We are convinced the bulk of the country longs for news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said. More Change at CBS Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency. Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z. He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to engage all demographics. His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action. To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to install an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of partiality and committed to authorities that content would reflect a diversity of opinions. He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations. Alliance Facts CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged. In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group. "They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she wrote.