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Paramount has appointed ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest step by current leadership to reshape operations of one of America's leading news outlets.

Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her support of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

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

It has drawn attention for reports such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

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

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger initiative to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

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

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess allegations of partiality and vowed to authorities that content would showcase a range of perspectives.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be distributed.

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

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she stated.