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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, signaling the most recent move by recent acquirers to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news organisations.

Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on 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 started her career at Jewish news outlets, is known for her support 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 subscribers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

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

Strategic Plans

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

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

More Change at CBS

Terms of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his goal is to produce journalism that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to connect with all viewers.

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

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of prejudice and vowed to regulators that content would include a variety of view points.

He also said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Alliance Facts

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

In a statement revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she wrote.