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The media conglomerate has selected former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, signaling the newest move by new owners to reshape workings of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her contentious departure from the New York Times, in a arrangement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish publications, is noted for her support of Israel and her skepticism of "cancel culture".

From its inception as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has received recognition for coverage such as a piece skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not disclosed. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison established his reputation as a Hollywood movie maker of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his aim is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to engage all audiences.

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

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to establish an external reviewer at CBS to assess concerns of prejudice and committed to authorities that programming would include a variety of view points.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news material including video footage can be shared.

In a note revealing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have courage. 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 wrote.