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The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the most recent step by recent acquirers to reshape activities of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore acquiring The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is known for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has garnered notice for reports such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

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

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his aim is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to engage all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine concerns of bias and committed to regulators that programming would showcase a variety of view points.

He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a note revealing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she commented.