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The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the newest initiative by recent acquirers to restructure operations of a major US news outlets.

Paramount is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is known for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has garnered notice for reports such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Big name contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to reach all audiences.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to review concerns of prejudice and vowed to authorities that content would showcase a diversity of view points.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a working relationship with a global news organization, meaning news material including visual material can be distributed.

In a note announcing the agreement, 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 bravery. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.