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The media conglomerate has named ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the most recent step by current leadership to reshape operations of a major US news outlets.

Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming overly political, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Background of the Executive

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

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.

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

Notable writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

"We believe the greater part of the country wants news that is fair and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Details of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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 aim is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to connect with all audiences.

His purchase of Paramount was approved by government authorities this season, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess concerns of partiality and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would reflect a range of view points.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.

In a message revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his management group.

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she stated.