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The media conglomerate has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the most recent step by new owners to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news outlets.

Paramount is furthermore buying The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed departure from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

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

From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader campaign to refresh coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount would not address stories that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of blockbusters such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the potential to engage all demographics.

His purchase of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company committed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.

To win approval of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to create an external reviewer at CBS to assess complaints of prejudice and vowed to oversight bodies that programming would include a variety of opinions.

He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a working relationship with another major network, meaning news content including video footage can be shared.

In a note announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount leader and his management group.

"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without shared information, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.