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The media conglomerate has appointed ex- New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, marking the newest step by recent acquirers to reorganize workings of a major US news outlets.

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

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Background of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is noted for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "cancel culture".

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has garnered notice for reports such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by established media to depict famine in Gaza.

Prominent contributors include scholar Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

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

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

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the agreement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is less partisan, and therefore has the ability to reach all viewers.

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

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of partiality and vowed to authorities that content would reflect a diversity of perspectives.

He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air altered conversations.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including recorded segments can be distributed.

In a message declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she believed in the Paramount leader and his executive staff.

"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without shared information, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.