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Paramount has named former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the latest initiative by current leadership to reshape activities of a prominent American news organisations.

Paramount is furthermore purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a deal reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has questioned broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison in recent months as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish media organizations, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "cancel culture".

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

It has garnered notice for coverage such as a article critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by traditional journalism to showcase famine in Gaza.

Big name contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

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

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the deal were not made public. Paramount would not address stories that the corporation had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his objective is to produce journalism that is less partisan, and therefore has the capacity to connect with all viewers.

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

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to install an impartial arbitrator at CBS to examine concerns of bias and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would showcase a variety of view points.

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

Partnership Details

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

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

"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have conviction. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she wrote.