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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent move by current leadership to reshape workings of a major US news outlets.

Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is recognized for her support of Israel and her criticism of "cancel 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 drawn attention for articles such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Big name authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

"We are convinced the majority of the country desires news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Terms of the deal were not made public. Paramount would not address reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to engage all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.

To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to create an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of partiality and promised to authorities that content would reflect a range of opinions.

He also 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 video footage can be shared.

In a message revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, agreed principles, and a common reality," she stated.