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Paramount has appointed ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the latest initiative by current leadership to reorganize operations of a major US news organisations.

The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

"We think the bulk of the country desires news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

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

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

He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to reach all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to examine allegations of bias and committed to authorities that content would include a diversity of perspectives.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including visual material can be distributed.

In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.