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The media conglomerate has named ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the most recent step by new owners to reshape workings of a major US news networks.

The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her support of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has drawn attention for reports such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

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

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters 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 ability 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 settle a legal action.

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and committed to authorities that programming would showcase a range of opinions.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be distributed.

In a note announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his management group.

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she wrote.