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Paramount has appointed ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the most recent initiative by current leadership to reshape workings of a prominent American news networks.

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

Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.

It has received recognition for reports such as a article critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader initiative to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

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

More Change at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount would not address reports that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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 objective is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to reach all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by government authorities this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and vowed to regulators that coverage would include a variety of perspectives.

He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including video footage can be distributed.

In a note announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a common reality," she wrote.