Paramount has reportedly begun preliminary discussions with several senior media executives as it explores creating a new business leadership position that could complement the role of CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.According to sources cited in the report, the search is tied to Paramount's proposed merger with Warner Bros.Discovery.

If the transaction receives regulatory approval, Weiss could potentially oversee editorial operations across both CBS News and CNN, while a separate executive would manage business operations for the combined news organizations.

Several prominent media figures have reportedly been considered for the business-side role, including NBCUniversal News Group chairman Cesar Conde, CNN Worldwide CEO Mark Thompson, former NBC News president Noah Oppenheim, Daily Beast CEO and former ABC News president Ben Sherwood, and former CBS News president David Rhodes.However, ongoing regulatory restrictions related to the pending merger may limit discussions with some candidates connected to Warner Bros.Discovery.

The proposed position would effectively replace responsibilities once held by former CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon, who oversaw business operations before departing ahead of the merger process.Currently, CBS News president Tom Cibrowski works alongside Weiss, with both reporting through Paramount's leadership structure.

The report notes that speculation about Weiss' future comes amid continuing scrutiny and internal tensions surrounding CBS News and its flagship program, '60 Minutes.

' Despite reports suggesting her authority could be reduced, a source familiar with the situation stated that Paramount executives strongly support Weiss.

The source said that Paramount chairman and CEO David Ellison has confidence in her leadership and believes she has performed effectively as editor-in-chief.

The executive search remains ongoing while federal regulators continue reviewing the proposed merger, which may also face legal challenges from a coalition of state attorneys general seeking to block the deal.