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Paramount has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the newest initiative by current leadership to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news outlets.

The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Background of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

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

It has drawn attention for articles such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We think the majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to connect with all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was approved by regulators this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to examine allegations of partiality and promised to authorities that coverage would reflect a range of opinions.

He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including video footage can be distributed.

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

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, common truths, and a shared perspective," she stated.