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Paramount has named ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest step by new owners to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news networks.

Paramount is furthermore buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

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

Profile of the Appointee

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

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

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

Future Direction

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

"We are convinced the bulk of the country longs for news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to connect with all viewers.

His purchase of Paramount was cleared by regulators this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to install an external reviewer at CBS to review complaints of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would showcase a variety of view points.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news content including video footage can be distributed.

In a statement announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she wrote.