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The media conglomerate has named ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the latest move by new owners to reshape operations of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.

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

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".

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

It has drawn attention for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.

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

Strategic Plans

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

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

More Change at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his aim is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all audiences.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by government authorities this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess complaints of partiality and vowed to authorities that content would showcase a diversity of opinions.

He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.

Alliance Facts

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

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

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she stated.