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The media conglomerate has selected former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the most recent move by recent acquirers to reshape workings of a prominent American news networks.

The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was taken over 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 publications, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.

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

Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

"We think the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

More Change at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to engage all audiences.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess allegations of bias and committed to authorities that programming would showcase a range of opinions.

He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news content including visual material can be shared.

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

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she commented.