In a stunning move reshaping the American media landscape, Paramount has announced the acquisition of The Free Press, the independent news platform founded by journalist Bari Weiss. Alongside the deal, Weiss will take on the newly created position of Editor-in-Chief of CBS News, marking one of the most significant leadership changes in mainstream media this year.
Weiss, 41, will report directly to David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, and will work closely with Tom Cibrowski, President of CBS News. Under the agreement, The Free Press will continue operating as a separate brand within the CBS portfolio, while Weiss assumes a broader editorial mandate to “redefine the future of CBS journalism.”
A Bold New Direction for CBS News
Bari Weiss’s appointment is part of Paramount’s larger effort to revitalize CBS News — a network long known for its legacy of credibility but recently struggling to maintain public trust in a fragmented media environment.
Weiss, known for her outspoken advocacy of free speech and ideological diversity, said she aims to restore faith in journalism by focusing on “truth, independence, and balance.” In her first public statement, she noted:
“CBS News has a proud tradition of fearless reporting. My goal is to build on that foundation and adapt it for a new generation — one that demands honesty and clarity above all.”
Her vision reportedly includes increasing editorial transparency, broadening the range of perspectives on political coverage, and strengthening digital-first storytelling across CBS platforms, from 60 Minutes to streaming services like Paramount+.
Background: From The New York Times to The Free Press
Bari Weiss rose to prominence as an opinion writer and editor at The New York Times, where she often clashed with the newsroom’s internal politics. She resigned in 2020, citing “cancel culture” and what she described as the Times’ intolerance for diverse viewpoints.
In 2021, she launched The Free Press, a digital media startup that grew rapidly, amassing over 1.5 million subscribers with its focus on independent journalism and debates across ideological lines.
Paramount’s acquisition of The Free Press is seen as both a strategic content expansion and a symbolic realignment — positioning CBS News to appeal to audiences skeptical of traditional media bias.
Mixed Reactions Inside CBS
While some industry observers have praised the move as “visionary,” others within CBS News reportedly view it with caution. Several staff members expressed concerns about Weiss’s limited background in broadcast journalism and her sometimes polarizing reputation.
However, Paramount executives insist her leadership will “reinvigorate CBS News’s editorial identity”, merging the network’s credibility with The Free Press’s energy and innovation.
“This is about reclaiming trust,” said Ellison. “Bari Weiss understands where journalism has gone astray — and she’s uniquely positioned to bring CBS News back to its core values.”
A Turning Point for Mainstream Media
Bari Weiss’s arrival could signal a new era for CBS News — one that emphasizes open debate, journalistic integrity, and independence from partisan influence. Whether her leadership will unify or further divide the media world remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: CBS News has just made its boldest move in decades.
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