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Paramount has selected ex- NYT opinion writer Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a major US news networks.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a deal estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to influence CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

Beginning as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million followers, including in excess of 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has drawn attention 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 established media to depict famine in Gaza.

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

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger effort to update coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not made public. Paramount declined to comment accounts that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker 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 less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all demographics.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by oversight bodies this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review concerns of prejudice and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a variety of view points.

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

Alliance Facts

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

In a note declaring the deal, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, common truths, and a unified worldview," she commented.