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Paramount has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the newest initiative by current leadership to restructure operations of one of America's leading news networks.

Paramount is also purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said 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 recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is noted for her support of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for coverage such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

Prominent authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger initiative to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to reach all audiences.

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by oversight bodies this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess concerns of partiality and committed to authorities that programming would showcase a diversity of perspectives.

He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.

In a note declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.