CBS Buys The Free Press Website, Installs Bari Weiss News Editor-in-Chief/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Paramount has acquired The Free Press, the commentary website founded by journalist Bari Weiss, and appointed her as Editor-in-Chief of CBS News. The move is part of CEO David Ellison’s modernization plan for CBS and Paramount’s broader media strategy. The appointment sparked internal unease amid concerns about the network’s editorial direction and ties to the Trump administration.
CBS-Weiss Acquisition Quick Looks
- Paramount acquires The Free Press, founded by journalist Bari Weiss in 2020.
- Weiss is named Editor-in-Chief of CBS News, a newly created top position.
- Move led by Paramount CEO David Ellison to modernize CBS’s news operations.
- CBS faces staff concern over editorial direction and political neutrality.
- Paramount recently paid $16 million to settle a Trump lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” segment.
- The company sought to mend relations with the administration ahead of a major merger approval.
- Weiss, formerly of The New York Times, is known for her commentary and free speech advocacy.
- No financial details of The Free Press acquisition were disclosed.
- Weiss pledges to make CBS “the most trusted news organization in America.”
- She will report directly to David Ellison, working alongside CBS News President Tom Cibrowski.
Deep Look
Paramount Acquires The Free Press, Appoints Bari Weiss as CBS News Editor-in-Chief
NEW YORK — In a sweeping move aimed at redefining its news division, Paramount Global announced Monday that it has purchased The Free Press, the digital commentary platform founded by Bari Weiss, and appointed Weiss as Editor-in-Chief of CBS News — a newly established leadership role.
The decision, while expected by industry insiders, represents a significant shift for CBS and underscores Paramount’s intent to revitalize its news brand under new CEO David Ellison.
“Bari’s entrepreneurial spirit and editorial vision will invigorate CBS News,” Ellison said in a statement. “This is part of our broader vision to modernize how we deliver trusted, passionate journalism to global audiences.”
The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, positions Weiss at the helm of one of America’s oldest broadcast news institutions — a bold move given her background in opinion journalism and digital media entrepreneurship rather than traditional TV news.
A Bold Editorial Shift for CBS
The appointment marks a clear cultural and strategic pivot for CBS, which has long been seen as a bastion of broadcast journalism. Weiss, 40, rose to prominence as an opinion editor and columnist at The New York Times, where she became known for her outspoken critiques of media groupthink and advocacy for open debate.
She launched The Free Press in 2020 as an independent digital publication devoted to “free thought and fearless journalism.” The site quickly grew into one of the most successful Substack-to-media ventures, earning millions of subscribers and expanding into podcasts and documentaries.
By acquiring The Free Press, Paramount is betting that Weiss can inject fresh perspective and digital momentum into CBS News at a time when traditional viewership continues to decline.
Internal Tensions and Political Concerns
The move, however, has not been without controversy. Some CBS News journalists expressed unease about Weiss’s appointment, particularly following Paramount’s recent $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over the editing of a 2024 “60 Minutes” interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris.
The settlement — widely criticized inside CBS — led to accusations that the company was bowing to political pressure. A U.S. senator even called for an inquiry into whether the payment violated federal bribery laws.
The deal was finalized as Paramount sought administration approval for a major corporate merger, which has since been greenlit by the Trump White House.
Sources inside CBS describe a newsroom on edge, with questions about whether Weiss’s leadership signals a move toward a more commentary-driven or ideologically open format.
Weiss’s Vision for CBS News
In a letter to CBS employees Monday, Weiss emphasized her family’s connection to CBS — recalling how she grew up in Pittsburgh watching the network’s nightly broadcasts — and promised to lead with curiosity, transparency, and respect for rigorous journalism.
“My goal in the coming days and weeks is to get to know you,” Weiss wrote. “I want to hear from you about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can make CBS News the most trusted news organization in America and the world.”
Weiss said she plans to approach the role “as any reporter would — with an open mind, a fresh notebook, and an urgent deadline.”
Structure and Reporting Lines
Weiss will report directly to CEO David Ellison and will work closely with Tom Cibrowski, President of CBS News. Both report to Paramount executive George Cheeks, who oversees the company’s television operations.
Ellison said Weiss’s new position would focus on “shaping editorial priorities, championing CBS’s core values across platforms, and driving innovation in news delivery.”
“We believe the majority of Americans are looking for balanced, fact-based journalism,” Ellison added. “Our mission is to make CBS their home for that.”
A New Era for CBS News
The appointment of Bari Weiss signals Paramount’s desire to bridge traditional broadcasting with the digital-first media landscape. Her entrepreneurial background, combined with her polarizing reputation as a champion of free expression, could bring both renewal and turbulence to CBS.
Industry observers note that if successful, Weiss’s tenure could serve as a template for how legacy media adapts in an era defined by social media, personalization, and audience skepticism toward mainstream news.
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