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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the newest move by new owners to reshape workings of one of America's leading news networks.

The company is additionally buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her acrimonious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".

From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention 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 mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

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

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the agreement were not made public. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to reach all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review complaints of prejudice and committed to authorities that programming would include a variety of view points.

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

Partnership Details

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

In a statement revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she wrote.