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Paramount has selected ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest step by new owners to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news outlets.

The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

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

It has received recognition for coverage such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger effort to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We believe the majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies 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 capacity to reach all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would include a diversity of opinions.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.

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

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.