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Paramount has selected former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the latest initiative by current leadership to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news outlets.

Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Background of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

"We think the greater part of the country wants news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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

He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to reach all demographics.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to install an external reviewer at CBS to assess concerns of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that coverage would include a range of view points.

He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news content including recorded segments can be distributed.

In a statement revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a common reality," she wrote.