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The media conglomerate has selected former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the latest step by current leadership to reorganize activities of a prominent American news outlets.

Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

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

From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has drawn attention for reports such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Prominent authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader effort to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

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

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not revealed. Paramount would not address reports that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to connect with all viewers.

His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of partiality and committed to regulators that coverage would include a diversity of view points.

He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be distributed.

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

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.