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The media conglomerate has named former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest step by new owners to reshape workings of a major US news organisations.

Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has garnered notice for coverage such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger campaign to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We are convinced the majority of the country wants news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

More Change at CBS

Details of the deal were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films 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 ability to engage all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess concerns of bias and vowed to regulators that programming would reflect a range of perspectives.

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

Partnership Details

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

In a note declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she commented.