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The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest initiative by new owners to reorganize workings of a major US news networks.

The company is also acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has received recognition for coverage such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

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

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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

He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to connect with all demographics.

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

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a variety of opinions.

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

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news content including video footage can be exchanged.

In a statement revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she wrote.