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The media conglomerate has selected former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the most recent step by current leadership to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news networks.

The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year 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 advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has garnered notice for articles such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent authors include scholar 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 bigger effort to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

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

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment 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 reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to reach all viewers.

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

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and committed to regulators that coverage would showcase a range of view points.

He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including visual material can be shared.

In a message revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group.

"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.