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Paramount has named ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the latest initiative by current leadership to restructure workings of a prominent American news networks.

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

Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her support of Israel and her criticism 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 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We believe the greater part of the country wants news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to connect with all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess allegations of partiality and promised to authorities that programming would include a diversity of opinions.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a statement declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.