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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the latest step by new owners to restructure workings of one of America's leading news organisations.

Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

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

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has drawn attention for coverage such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We are convinced the majority of the country longs for news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the company 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 goal is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to connect with all demographics.

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

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess allegations of bias and vowed to authorities that coverage would showcase a range of view points.

He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.

Partnership Details

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

In a statement revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his management group.

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