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Paramount has appointed former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the newest move by current leadership to reshape operations of a prominent American news outlets.

Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her advocacy of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".

Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has garnered notice for articles such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

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

Future Direction

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

"We are convinced the majority of the country desires news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood film producer of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

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

His purchase of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and vowed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a range of perspectives.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news material including video footage can be exchanged.

In a statement revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.