đź”— Share this article Former NYT Columnist to Lead CBS After Paramount Acquisition Paramount has appointed ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent step by current leadership to reorganize workings of a major US news outlets. The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount. History of the New Leader Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture". From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters. It has received recognition for articles such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza. Big name contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen. Future Direction Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger effort to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news". "We think the majority of the country desires news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said. More Change at CBS Specifics of the agreement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash. 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 goal is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to connect with all viewers. His acquisition of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action. To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine concerns of prejudice and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a diversity of perspectives. He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews. Partnership Details CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be exchanged. In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff. "They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she wrote.