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Paramount has selected ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest step by current leadership to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has received recognition for reports such as a article critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a larger initiative to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

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

More Change at CBS

Details of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount would not address accounts that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 ability to engage all audiences.

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

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to review concerns of partiality and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a variety of view points.

He also 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 shared.

In a message revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, agreed principles, and a common reality," she wrote.