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Paramount has named former New York Times commentator Bari Weiss to oversee CBS News, representing the newest step by current leadership to restructure workings of one of America's leading news organisations.

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

Ms Weiss, who has questioned television news for becoming excessively biased, said she was enthusiastic to put her stamp on CBS, which was purchased by David Ellison in recent months as part of a larger merger with Paramount.

History of the Executive

Ms Weiss, who started her career at Jewish news outlets, is known for her support 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 in excess of 170,000 paid subscribers.

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

Big name writers include academic Niall Ferguson and economic thinker Tyler Cowen.

Vision for CBS

Mr Ellison said the selection of Ms Weiss as chief editor was part of a larger effort to modernize coverage at Paramount and make CBS the "most reliable name in news".

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

Further Developments at CBS

Terms of the deal were not revealed. Paramount declined to comment stories that the firm had paid $150 million in stock and cash.

Mr Ellison made his name as a Hollywood movie maker of hit movies such as Top Gun Maverick, True Grit and World War Z.

He has said his objective is to produce reporting that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the potential to reach all viewers.

His takeover of Paramount was authorized by regulators this season, after the company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a court case.

To secure clearance of the deal, Mr Ellison committed to establish an external reviewer at CBS to review complaints of partiality and committed to oversight bodies that coverage would reflect a range of view points.

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

Partnership Details

CBS News has a working relationship with an international broadcaster, meaning news content including visual material can be distributed.

In a message announcing the agreement, Ms Weiss said she trusted in the Paramount executive and his executive staff.

"They are committing fully because they support news. Because they have courage. Because they value this country. And because they appreciate, as we do, that America cannot succeed without common facts, common truths, and a unified worldview," she stated.