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The media conglomerate has named ex- New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, representing the latest move by new owners to reorganize operations of one of America's leading news outlets.

The company is additionally acquiring The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss founded after her disputed exit from the New York Times, in a arrangement reported to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming overly political, said she was enthusiastic to shape CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison earlier this year as part of a broader merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who began her professional journey at Jewish news outlets, is known for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "call-out culture".

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

It has received recognition for reports such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an examination of some photographs used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Big name writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economist Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the selection 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 think the bulk of the country wants news that is balanced and accurate, and we want CBS to be their home," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Specifics of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss reports that the company had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his goal is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the capacity to engage all audiences.

His acquisition of Paramount was approved by regulators this recent period, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a legal action.

To win approval of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to examine concerns of bias and committed to oversight bodies that content would showcase a diversity of opinions.

He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would no longer air edited interviews.

Alliance Facts

CBS News has a partnership agreement with another major network, meaning news material including recorded segments can be shared.

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

"They are doubling down because they have faith in news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot prosper without mutual understanding, universal realities, and a shared perspective," she wrote.