On October 6, 2025, Paramount announced a significant acquisition that raised eyebrows throughout the media landscape: they purchased The Free Press for $150 million. Bari Weiss, co-founder and CEO of The Free Press, will step into the role of editor-in-chief at CBS News. Known for her strong stance against progressivism and cancel culture, Weiss has garnered both admiration and controversy throughout her career.
David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. “We are thrilled to welcome Bari and The Free Press to Paramount and CBS News,” he stated. He emphasized Weiss’s track record as a “champion of independent, principled journalism.” Ellison believes that this move will help rejuvenate CBS, particularly during a time when audiences crave balanced and factual news. “We believe the majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home,” he affirmed.
Weiss’s appointment is particularly notable given her outspoken criticisms of mainstream media practices. In her letter to CBS News staff, she reflected on her personal connection with the network, recalling it as a “deep family tradition.” She recognizes the responsibility she bears in shaping CBS’s legacy in the current media environment, calling it an “extraordinary privilege.” Weiss expressed a desire to collaborate with her new colleagues, stating, “I want to hear from you about what’s working, what isn’t.” This approach signals an openness often missing from traditional media hierarchies.
In her detailed manifesto of journalistic values, Weiss outlined her commitment to truth and transparency. She identified core principles that will guide her leadership, including a dedication to fair reporting and a commitment to examining the complexities of issues without bias. Among her mandates is a promise to uphold journalistic integrity without falling prey to the pressures of partisanship. “I stand for the same core journalistic values that have defined this profession since the beginning,” she asserted.
Weiss’s perspective provides a refreshing contrast to mainstream media narratives. She stated, “They said that the internet killed journalism forever… You proved them wrong.” This echoes her belief in the demand for honest journalism that resonates with many Americans. Her comments highlight a gap in the market for media driven by integrity as opposed to sensationalism.
Furthermore, Weiss acknowledges the changing landscape of journalism in the digital era, vowing to embrace new tools while maintaining a coherent mission. “Most of all,” she stated, “the free press understands that knowing is the only way to improve lives.” This perspective underscores her intent to prioritize factual reporting over peddling division or alarmism.
Weiss has not been shy about her critiques of legacy media. She departed from her previous role at The New York Times in 2020, voicing her concerns over the company’s capitulation to what she described as “woke, leftist staffers.” Her arrival at CBS might signal a pivot for the network, particularly with her promise to hold political parties to equal scrutiny.
The ramifications of Weiss’s promotion could be extensive. In charting a new course for CBS News, she might revitalize its approach to reporting, distinguishing herself within a landscape often riddled with bias. Her vision of infusing independence into CBS content raises an interesting possibility: a news platform that might attract viewers disillusioned with conventional media narratives.
As Weiss steps into this transformative role, her dual position as CEO of The Free Press and editor-in-chief of CBS News sets the stage for a unique intersection of traditional and independent journalism. She is poised to influence how news is produced and delivered to the public. Moreover, her track record suggests a commitment to seeking out stories that are essential yet often overlooked in mainstream coverage.
In an industry frequently characterized by fragmentation, Weiss’s leadership may help strengthen ties among journalists dedicated to enriching the national discourse. Observers will be closely watching how Weiss navigates the minefield of corporate media pressures while holding true to her principles as she leads CBS into a new era.
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