Paramount names Bari Weiss CBS News editor-in-chief
Paramount Global has acquired The Free Press and appointed its co-founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. The move aims to bring balanced journalism to a wider audience amid efforts to modernize the network. Weiss, a former New York Times opinion writer, will retain leadership of her independent publication.
On Monday, Paramount announced the acquisition of The Free Press, a media company co-founded by Bari Weiss in 2021, and named her the new editor-in-chief of CBS News. The 41-year-old journalist, who previously worked as an op-ed editor at The Wall Street Journal and a staff editor at The New York Times, will report directly to Skydance Media CEO David Ellison, whose company acquired Paramount in July.
Weiss, who resigned from the Times in 2020 amid controversy over a published op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton advocating a military response to George Floyd protests, criticized the newsroom's 'illiberal environment' in her resignation letter. She launched The Free Press—initially as a newsletter called Common Sense—with her sister Suzy Weiss and spouse Nellie Bowles, emphasizing 'honesty, doggedness, and fierce independence.' The outlet, known for scrutinizing topics like DEI programs, COVID-19 policies, and pro-Israel views, has grown to 1.5 million subscribers, an 86% increase over the past year, backed by investors including Marc Andreessen and Howard Schultz.
In a letter to readers, Weiss wrote: 'As of today, I am editor-in-chief of CBS News, working with new colleagues on the programs that have impacted American culture for generations.' She added that the partnership allows The Free Press' values—'journalism based in curiosity and honesty, a culture of healthy disagreement'—to 'go very, very big.' The Free Press will maintain its brand and operations independently.
Ellison praised Weiss as 'a proven champion of independent, principled journalism,' noting the move supports Paramount's vision to modernize content and appeal to audiences seeking 'balanced and fact-based' news. Weiss, who describes herself as a 'radical centrist' and has voted for both Republicans and Democrats, lacks broadcasting experience and is unlikely to handle day-to-day operations at CBS. This follows Paramount's settlement of a $16 million lawsuit with President Donald Trump over a '60 Minutes' interview.