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The media conglomerate has appointed former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent initiative by recent acquirers to reshape activities of one of America's leading news organisations.

The company is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss established after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish news outlets, is known for her support of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".

Since its start as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has drawn attention for reports such as a feature skeptical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some images used by traditional journalism to depict famine in Gaza.

Big name authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a broader effort to modernize programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most-trusted name in news".

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Specifics of the agreement were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment reports that the company had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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

He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to connect with all audiences.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison pledged to create an impartial arbitrator at CBS to review allegations of partiality and promised to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a diversity of opinions.

He further said CBS's long-running political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a partnership agreement with a global news organization, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be exchanged.

In a message announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount boss and his leadership team.

"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, common truths, and a shared perspective," she stated.