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Paramount has named ex- New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, representing the latest step by recent acquirers to reorganize activities of a major US news organisations.

The company is additionally purchasing The Free Press, the web-based platform Weiss started after her contentious exit from the New York Times, in a agreement estimated to be worth $150 million.

Ms Weiss, who has challenged television news for becoming overly political, said she was eager to influence CBS, which was taken over by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

Profile of the Appointee

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish publications, is recognized for her backing of Israel and her questioning of "woke culture".

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

It has drawn attention for reports such as a feature questioning of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an investigation of some photos used by established media to showcase famine in Gaza.

Notable authors include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Strategic Plans

Mr Ellison said the appointment of Ms Weiss as top editorial position was part of a bigger effort to update coverage 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 truthful, and we want CBS to be their destination," he said.

Further Developments at CBS

Details of the arrangement were not made public. Paramount would not address reports that the firm had paid $150 million in equity and currency.

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

He has said his objective is to produce coverage that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to connect with all viewers.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by government authorities this recent period, after the company consented to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit.

To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison pledged to install an external reviewer at CBS to assess allegations of prejudice and promised to oversight bodies that programming would include a range of view points.

He further said CBS's established political show "Face the Nation" would cease to air edited interviews.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a collaborative arrangement with a global news organization, meaning news content including video footage can be shared.

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

"They are doubling down because they support news. Because they have bravery. Because they cherish this country. And because they recognize, as we do, that America cannot thrive without shared information, common truths, and a common reality," she stated.