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The media conglomerate has selected former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the newest step by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a major US news outlets.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming excessively biased, 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 New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".

From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

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

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger effort to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to connect with all audiences.

His purchase of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine allegations of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would include a diversity of opinions.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including visual material can be distributed.

In a message revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, agreed principles, and a common reality," she commented.