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The media conglomerate has selected former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the newest initiative by new owners to restructure operations of one of America's leading news outlets.

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

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is known for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has garnered notice for coverage such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Prominent contributors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

"We are convinced the greater part of the country desires news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not made public. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker 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 more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to engage all demographics.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by regulators this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to establish an independent ombudsman at CBS to review concerns of prejudice and vowed to regulators that content would include a diversity of view points.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news material including visual material can be exchanged.

In a note revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.