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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent move by new owners to reorganize workings of a major US news organisations.

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

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".

From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has drawn attention for reports such as a article questioning 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.

Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

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

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all viewers.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by regulators this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of partiality and committed to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a range of opinions.

He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news material including visual material can be shared.

In a statement revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she wrote.