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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest move by new owners to restructure workings of one of America's leading news outlets.

Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is known for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Since its start 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 reports such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

Big name writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We believe the majority of the country desires news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

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

His takeover of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review concerns of partiality and vowed to authorities that content would include a diversity of view points.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news content including visual material can be distributed.

In a message declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she wrote.