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The media conglomerate has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the latest initiative by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a major US news organisations.

Paramount is also buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

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

Profile of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

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

Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader effort to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount would not address reports that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker 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 ability to reach all viewers.

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

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine allegations of prejudice and vowed to authorities that programming would showcase a variety of perspectives.

He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news content including visual material can be distributed.

In a statement revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his management group.

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she commented.