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Paramount has named ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the latest step by recent acquirers to restructure operations of one of America's leading news networks.

The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the New Leader

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

From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

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

Big name writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

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

More Change at CBS

Details of the deal were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to connect with all demographics.

His purchase of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review allegations of prejudice and committed to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a diversity of perspectives.

He also said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.

In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she wrote.