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Paramount has selected ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest initiative by recent acquirers to restructure activities of a prominent American news outlets.

Paramount is additionally buying The Free Press, the online publication Weiss founded after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including in excess of 170,000 paying members.

It has drawn attention for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by established media to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the hiring 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 are convinced the greater part of the country wants news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood film producer of major films such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

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

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to review allegations of prejudice and committed to authorities that programming would include a range of opinions.

He additionally said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air edited interviews.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with another major network, meaning news material including visual material can be distributed.

In a note declaring the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot succeed without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a common reality," she stated.