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Paramount has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the most recent step by recent acquirers to reorganize operations of a major US news outlets.

The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a deal said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

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

Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for reports such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

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

Future Direction

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

"We think the majority of the country longs for news that is even-handed and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison built his career as a Hollywood cinematic creator of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to engage all audiences.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a court case.

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to install an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of bias and promised to regulators that programming would showcase a diversity of opinions.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including video footage can be shared.

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

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she commented.