đŸ”— Share this article Former New York Times Writer Takes Over CBS Post Paramount Merger Paramount has appointed ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the most recent initiative by current leadership to restructure operations of one of America's leading news outlets. Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million. Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was eager to put her stamp on 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 started her career at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture". From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers. It has received recognition for coverage such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to depict famine in Gaza. Notable writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen. Future Direction Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger campaign to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news". "We think the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said. More Change at CBS Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money. Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z. He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to engage all demographics. His takeover of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit. To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to install an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of bias and promised to regulators that coverage would include a range of view points. He also 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 reporting including visual material can be distributed. In a note announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group. "They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, universal realities, and a common reality," she stated.