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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the most recent move by recent acquirers to reorganize operations of a prominent American news organisations.

The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is known for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the selection 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 are convinced the bulk of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

More Change at CBS

Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of major films 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 potential to reach all viewers.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a range of view points.

He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a statement declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a common reality," she wrote.