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The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the newest initiative by new owners to reorganize workings of one of America's leading news organisations.

Paramount is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is recognized for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "woke culture".

Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has garnered notice for coverage such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

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

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader initiative to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

"We are convinced the greater part of the country wants news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount would not address stories that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood cinematic creator 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 ability to reach all audiences.

His purchase of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to install an independent ombudsman at CBS to examine complaints of prejudice and vowed to authorities that programming would showcase a variety of opinions.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news content including recorded segments can be distributed.

In a message declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount executive and his leadership team.

"They are committing fully because they have faith in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a unified worldview," she commented.