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Paramount has named former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the latest step by new owners to reorganize activities of a prominent American news networks.

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

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming overly political, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is known for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

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

Notable writers include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We think the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

More Change at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his goal is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all audiences.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and committed to oversight bodies that programming would include a diversity of opinions.

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

Alliance Facts

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

In a note announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.

"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she stated.