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Paramount has selected former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the latest initiative by recent acquirers to reshape workings of a major US news organisations.

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

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Background of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has received recognition for coverage such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

Prominent contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader effort to modernize content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

"We think the majority of the country desires news that is even-handed and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount would not address accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 ability to connect with all demographics.

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

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review allegations of bias and vowed to oversight bodies that content would showcase a variety of view points.

He additionally said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including visual material can be exchanged.

In a statement revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his management group.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.