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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest step by current leadership to reshape workings of a prominent American news networks.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her support of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has garnered notice for coverage such as a piece skeptical 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.

Prominent writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We believe the bulk of the country desires news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Terms of the agreement were not made public. Paramount would not address stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood film producer of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to reach all audiences.

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to create an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a diversity of opinions.

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

Alliance Facts

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

In a statement declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his management group.

"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she commented.