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The media conglomerate has selected ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the most recent step by current leadership to restructure workings of a major US news organisations.

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

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the Executive

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

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

It has drawn attention for coverage such as a article critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

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

Future Direction

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

"We think the majority of the country wants news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator of blockbusters 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 capacity to reach all audiences.

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by regulators this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to review concerns of partiality and promised to regulators that coverage would showcase a variety of view points.

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

Alliance Facts

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

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

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.