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Paramount has named ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the newest initiative by recent acquirers to restructure operations of one of America's leading news networks.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming overly political, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has garnered notice for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not revealed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all audiences.

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by regulators this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review allegations of bias and committed to authorities that content would showcase a diversity of view points.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.

In a statement declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she wrote.