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The media conglomerate has named ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the latest initiative by current leadership to restructure activities of a prominent American news organisations.

Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".

Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has garnered notice for coverage such as a article questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

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

Further Developments at CBS

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

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his goal is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to connect with all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine allegations of bias and vowed to authorities that coverage would include a diversity of perspectives.

He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including video footage can be exchanged.

In a message revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she wrote.