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Paramount has named former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the most recent initiative by new owners to reorganize activities of one of America's leading news organisations.

Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the digital outlet Weiss started after her disputed separation from the New York Times, in a arrangement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised television news for becoming too partisan, said she was eager to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish media organizations, is known for her backing of Israel and her criticism of "call-out culture".

From its inception as a email publication in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 paying members.

It has garnered notice for reports such as a feature critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

Big name authors include scholar Niall Ferguson and financial expert Tyler Cowen.

Future Direction

Mr Ellison said the hiring of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a bigger effort to update content at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

"We are convinced the majority of the country desires news that is fair and accurate, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

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

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 goal is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to reach all viewers.

His acquisition of Paramount was authorized by government authorities this summer, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to conclude a legal action.

To obtain consent of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an independent ombudsman at CBS to review allegations of bias and committed to oversight bodies that programming would showcase a variety of opinions.

He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air modified discussions.

Collaboration Information

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be shared.

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

"They are committing fully because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they cherish this country. And because they understand, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.