Bari Weiss Takes the Helm at CBS News in a Bold $150 Million Deal That Could Redefine American Journalism
In a move that’s shaking up the media landscape, Bari Weiss has been appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News following a landmark acquisition of her online news platform, The Free Press, by Paramount Skydance. But here’s where it gets controversial: this deal, reportedly valued at $150 million, isn’t just a business transaction—it’s a potential turning point for how one of America’s most storied news organizations approaches journalism.
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison announced the appointment on October 6, marking the culmination of months of negotiations that began earlier this year. Weiss, who founded The Free Press in 2022 after a dramatic exit from The New York Times, brings with her a reputation for challenging mainstream narratives and championing independent journalism. She will report directly to Ellison, signaling a close partnership aimed at reshaping CBS News with the core values that have defined her new media venture.
Weiss’s journey is as compelling as her new role. In July 2020, she resigned from The New York Times with a candid 1,500-word letter describing the relentless bullying she faced from colleagues who opposed her viewpoints. This experience fueled her commitment to create a media outlet grounded in "honesty, doggedness, and fierce independence." The Free Press quickly gained attention for its fearless reporting, including revealing critiques of liberal bias at NPR and whistleblower accounts from sensitive institutions like the Washington University Transgender Center.
Ellison praised Weiss as "a proven champion of independent, principled journalism," emphasizing that this acquisition fits into Paramount’s broader strategy to modernize content and deepen its connection with audiences worldwide. Weiss herself expressed a personal connection to CBS News, recalling the iconic sounds of its broadcasts as part of her family’s tradition in Pittsburgh. She described her new role as "an extraordinary privilege" and pledged to engage with CBS News staff openly, aiming to transform the network into the most trusted news source in America.
The Free Press will maintain its independence, keeping its brand and operations intact while continuing to publish alongside Weiss’s new responsibilities at CBS News. With around 1.5 million subscribers, including 170,000 paying members, The Free Press has carved out a significant niche in the digital news space.
However, this deal also raises important questions about media ownership and influence. Major media and tech companies have increasingly come under the control of figures aligned with former President Donald Trump or his supporters. David Ellison, son of longtime Trump ally Larry Ellison, played a key role in securing regulatory approval for Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount, with assurances that CBS News would represent a broad spectrum of political and ideological perspectives.
This promise comes amid a backdrop of political tension, including a recent $16 million settlement Paramount paid to Donald Trump over a disputed "60 Minutes" interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has stated that this settlement was unrelated to its regulatory review of the merger. Adding another layer to the evolving media environment, CBS News recently appointed Kenneth Weinstein, a former conservative think tank leader, as its new ombudsman.
Weiss will collaborate closely with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, who joined the network in 2025 after a long tenure at ABC News. Together, they face the challenge of elevating CBS News, which currently ranks third among evening news broadcasts, to a position of greater influence and trust.
This development invites a broader conversation: Can Bari Weiss’s vision and Free Press’s independent spirit truly revitalize a major network like CBS News? Or will the complex interplay of political affiliations and corporate interests dilute this ambitious mission? What do you think—does this signal a new era of balanced journalism, or is it just another chapter in the ongoing media power struggle? Share your thoughts below and join the debate.
