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The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the latest move by new owners to restructure workings of one of America's leading news organisations.

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

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has drawn attention for coverage such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to reach all demographics.

His purchase of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of bias and committed to oversight bodies that programming would include a diversity of perspectives.

He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news content including video footage can be shared.

In a note declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his management group.

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