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The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent move by current leadership to reshape activities of a prominent American news organisations.

Paramount is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media 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 wider merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

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

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has garnered notice for reports such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We are convinced the bulk of the country longs for news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

More Change at CBS

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

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

He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to reach all demographics.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by regulators this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess concerns of prejudice and promised to regulators that programming would showcase a diversity of opinions.

He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Alliance Facts

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

In a note revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his management group.

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.