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Paramount has appointed ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest step by current leadership to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for coverage such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We believe the majority of the country desires news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to engage all demographics.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and vowed to authorities that coverage would showcase 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 shared.

In a message declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss 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 prosper without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she stated.