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Paramount has selected ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the most recent step by current leadership to restructure workings of a prominent American news organisations.

The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.

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

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

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

It has drawn attention for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

Big name writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

"We are convinced 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.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

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

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to create an external reviewer at CBS to examine concerns of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that content would reflect a variety of view points.

He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.

Collaboration Information

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

In a note declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.