Paramount Skydance’s CEO, David Ellison, has appointed Bari Weiss as the editor-in-chief of CBS News following the acquisition of The Free Press, a news site she established. The specific financial details of the transaction were not disclosed but reportedly amounted to $150 million US. Weiss, 41, expressed in a recent announcement that this opportunity allows her to contribute to reshaping CBS News by upholding the core values of The Free Press and American journalism.
Having left her position as an opinion writer at the New York Times in July 2020 due to what she described as enduring “constant bullying” from colleagues with differing viewpoints, Weiss launched her own media company in 2022, emphasizing honesty, determination, and independence. Ellison, in a communication to Paramount employees, highlighted the responsibility the company holds as a steward of a renowned news organization, emphasizing the need for constructive, respectful, and bipartisan discourse.
Weiss, known for her dedication to rigorous, fact-based reporting and amplifying diverse voices, aims to collaborate with CBS News staff to enhance the organization’s credibility and become the most-trusted news outlet in the United States. The Free Press, recognized for challenging mainstream narratives, has covered impactful stories, including exposing alleged biases at NPR and issues at the Washington University Transgender Center.
Weiss will report directly to David Ellison, assisting in setting the editorial direction for CBS News, which currently ranks third in its evening news broadcasts. While The Free Press will maintain its independence, brand, and operations with its existing subscriber base, the editorial landscape of CBS News is expected to evolve under Weiss’s leadership.
Furthermore, the appointment of Weiss comes amidst a broader trend where influential media and tech companies are being led by individuals aligned with former President Donald Trump or prominent business figures who supported his administration. David Ellison’s ties to Trump’s supporters played a role in facilitating regulatory approval for the Skydance Media acquisition of Paramount, with a commitment to promoting diverse perspectives within CBS News.
The acquisition of The Free Press by CBS News marks a significant development in the media landscape, reflecting the evolving dynamics of news organizations under new leadership.