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The media conglomerate has appointed former NYT commentator Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest move by current leadership to reshape operations of a prominent American news organisations.

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

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming excessively biased, said she was eager to shape CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison in recent months as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

Profile of the New Leader

Ms Weiss, who commenced her work at Jewish media organizations, is known for her advocacy of Israel and her skepticism of "call-out culture".

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has gained 1.5 million readers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has garnered notice for reports such as a piece questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to showcase famine in Gaza.

Prominent contributors include historian Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

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

"We think the greater part of the country wants news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

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

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 journalism that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the capacity to reach all audiences.

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

To obtain consent of the transaction, Mr Ellison committed to establish an impartial arbitrator at CBS to assess concerns of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would include a range of opinions.

He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air modified discussions.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news content including video footage can be exchanged.

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

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have bravery. Because they love this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, agreed principles, and a common reality," she wrote.