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The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by new owners to reshape operations of a prominent American news outlets.

Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has received recognition for reports such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Prominent contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger initiative to refresh content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

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

More Change at CBS

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to reach all audiences.

His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a variety of perspectives.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including video footage can be distributed.

In a message declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she wrote.