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Paramount has selected ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to lead CBS News, marking the latest step by recent acquirers to restructure workings of a prominent American news organisations.

Paramount is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the online publication Weiss started after her contentious separation from the New York Times, in a agreement said to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has criticised broadcast media for becoming too partisan, said she was excited to influence CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Appointee

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

Since its start as a newsletter in 2021, The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million followers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.

It has received recognition for articles such as a article critical of NPR by one of its ex- business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to depict famine in Gaza.

Prominent writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

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

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

Additional Shifts at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not revealed. Paramount would not address reports that the corporation had paid $150 million in shares and money.

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 viewers.

His takeover of Paramount was approved by government authorities this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a legal action.

To secure clearance of the transaction, Mr Ellison agreed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to examine allegations of prejudice and vowed to authorities that programming would include a range of perspectives.

He further said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air modified discussions.

Partnership Details

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

In a note announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount boss and his executive staff.

"They are doubling down because they believe in news. Because they have courage. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she wrote.