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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the newest move by recent acquirers to reshape activities of a prominent American news organisations.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her acrimonious departure from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.

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

History of the New Leader

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

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.

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

Notable authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

"We are convinced the greater part of the country longs for news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount would not address reports that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood film producer of major films 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 capacity to reach all audiences.

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

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and committed to authorities that programming would reflect a diversity of view points.

He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news reporting including visual material can be distributed.

In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she wrote.