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Paramount has named ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent initiative by current leadership to reorganize activities of a prominent American news networks.

The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her support of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has received recognition for reports such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger campaign to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable 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.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to engage all audiences.

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of bias and committed to authorities that coverage would include a range of perspectives.

He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.

Collaboration Information

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

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

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she stated.