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The media conglomerate has selected former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the latest step by new owners to reshape workings of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is additionally buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

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

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Big name writers include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a larger campaign to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We believe the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

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

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker 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 less partisan, and therefore has the potential to reach all audiences.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of bias and vowed to authorities that coverage would include a range of opinions.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news reporting including video footage can be shared.

In a message announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.