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Paramount has appointed former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss to direct CBS News, signaling the latest move by current leadership to reorganize activities of a prominent American news networks.

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

Ms Weiss, who has questioned network journalism for becoming too partisan, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was acquired by David Ellison recently as part of a wider merger with Paramount.

History of the New Leader

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

Beginning as a digital bulletin in 2021, The Free Press has accumulated 1.5 million readers, including over 170,000 subscribing supporters.

It has garnered notice for articles such as a piece critical of NPR by one of its previous business editors, as well as an analysis of some photographs used by mainstream news outlets to illustrate famine in Gaza.

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

Future Direction

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

"We are convinced the majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and truthful, and we want CBS to be their source," he said.

Additional Shifts at CBS

Specifics of the deal were not made public. Paramount refused to discuss accounts that the company had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

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

He has said his goal is to produce reporting that is more balanced politically, and therefore has the ability to reach all viewers.

His takeover of Paramount was cleared by regulators this summer, after the company committed to pay $16 million to settle a court case.

To secure clearance of the acquisition, Mr Ellison agreed to create an external reviewer at CBS to assess concerns of prejudice and promised to authorities that content would include a diversity of view points.

He also said CBS's veteran political show "Face the Nation" would discontinue air altered conversations.

Partnership Details

CBS News has a partnership agreement with an international broadcaster, meaning news reporting including recorded segments can be distributed.

In a statement revealing the deal, Ms Weiss said she had faith in the Paramount leader and his leadership team.

"They are making significant investments because they have faith in news. Because they have conviction. Because they love this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot thrive without mutual understanding, common truths, and a shared perspective," she commented.