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The media conglomerate has selected former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest initiative by recent acquirers to reshape activities of a major US news networks.

Paramount is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the Executive

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

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has drawn attention for coverage such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photographs used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

Big name authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as editor-in-chief was part of a broader campaign to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We believe the majority of the country wants news that is fair and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by government authorities this summer, after the company consented to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an external reviewer at CBS to examine concerns of prejudice and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a diversity of opinions.

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

Alliance Facts

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

In a statement announcing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his management group.

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a shared perspective," she stated.