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The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest initiative by current leadership to restructure operations of a prominent American news networks.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

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

Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Prominent authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

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

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and committed to regulators that programming would reflect a range of perspectives.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including visual material can be shared.

In a statement revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his management group.

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she wrote.