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The media conglomerate has named former NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest initiative by recent acquirers to restructure operations of a prominent American news organisations.

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

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming overly political, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish publications, is known for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

Since its start as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.

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

Prominent writers include scholar Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We are convinced the majority of the country wants news that is even-handed and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Terms of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the potential to engage all viewers.

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

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of partiality and promised to authorities that programming would showcase a range of opinions.

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

Partnership Details

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

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

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a shared perspective," she stated.