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The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent move by new owners to reorganize operations of a major US news outlets.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Background of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".

Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for coverage such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

Big name contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood cinematic creator of hit movies 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 potential to connect with all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would showcase a range of view points.

He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news content including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a note revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she wrote.