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The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest initiative by new owners to reshape workings of a major US news networks.

The company is also buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss founded after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

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

From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has received recognition for reports such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

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

Strategic Plans

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

"We believe the majority of the country wants news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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

He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to engage all audiences.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine allegations of prejudice and vowed to authorities that coverage would reflect a range of perspectives.

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

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including video footage can be shared.

In a message declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, universal realities, and a common reality," she wrote.