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The media conglomerate has selected former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by recent acquirers to restructure operations of a prominent American news networks.

Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has drawn attention for reports such as a article critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a bigger effort to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible 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 home," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

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

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

He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to reach all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was approved by government authorities this season, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to install an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would reflect a range of opinions.

He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air altered conversations.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a statement announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she commented.