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The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the newest initiative by new owners to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for articles such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Big name contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader campaign to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We think the majority of the country wants news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

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

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to connect with all viewers.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by government authorities this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine allegations of bias and promised to authorities that coverage would showcase a variety of opinions.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news material including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a note revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.