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Paramount has appointed former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the most recent move by current leadership to reorganize workings of a major US news networks.

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

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some photos used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We believe the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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 less partisan, and therefore has the ability to connect with all audiences.

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by regulators this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review concerns of bias and promised to authorities that content would include a range of perspectives.

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

Partnership Details

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

In a note declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his management group.

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she commented.