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The media conglomerate has selected former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, marking the most recent step by recent acquirers to reshape activities of one of America's leading news networks.

The company is also purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss established after her acrimonious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to put her stamp on CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is noted for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "woke culture".

From its inception as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has garnered notice for articles such as a article skeptical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some images used by traditional journalism to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Notable writers include historian Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a broader campaign to refresh programming at Paramount and make CBS the "most credible name in news".

"We think the greater part of the country desires news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

More Change at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not made public. Paramount declined to comment stories that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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

He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to connect with all demographics.

His acquisition of Paramount was cleared by oversight bodies this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a lawsuit.

To win approval of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to review concerns of bias and committed to authorities that coverage would showcase a diversity of perspectives.

He additionally said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news content including visual material can be distributed.

In a statement declaring the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his management group.

"They are making significant investments because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a unified worldview," she commented.