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- By Todd Peterson
- 06 Nov 2025
The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to restructure workings of a prominent American news networks.
The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.
Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.
Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is known for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".
Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paying members.
It has received recognition for articles such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.
Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.
Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader initiative to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".
"We think the greater part of the country desires news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.
Details of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.
Mr Ellison made his name 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 less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all viewers.
His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.
To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess concerns of partiality and promised to authorities that coverage would showcase a diversity of view points.
He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.
CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.
In a note announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.
"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she stated.
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