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The media conglomerate has named ex- NYT columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest step by new owners to restructure operations of a major US news outlets.

The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss established after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.

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

History of the Appointee

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

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has garnered notice for articles such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its former business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include historian Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

"We are convinced the bulk of the country longs for news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the firm had paid $150 million in shares and money.

Mr Ellison established his reputation 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 journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to connect with all audiences.

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

To obtain consent of the deal, Mr Ellison pledged to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and vowed to regulators that coverage would reflect a diversity of view points.

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

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news material including visual material can be exchanged.

In a statement announcing the arrangement, Ms Weiss said she had faith 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 recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a unified worldview," she stated.