Bari Weiss takes on the role of editor-in-chief at CBS News, and Paramount acquires Free Press.

Bari Weiss Takes the Helm at CBS News

Bari Weiss announced on Monday her new role as the editor-in-chief of CBS News, with her media outlet, The Free Press, officially joining Paramount.

In an email to her readers, Weiss explained, “We’re a news organization, so I’ll get right to it. The Free Press is joining Paramount this morning.” She expressed that this transition signifies a number of important factors: the vision of her team at The Free Press, the leadership of Paramount, the advantageous timing for starting an independent media company, and most importantly, the bravery of her colleagues who departed from the traditional media landscape to forge something new. “But above all, this is a testament to you, our subscribers,” she added.

After experiencing bullying at the New York Times, Weiss left the company in 2020. She began the “Common Sense” newsletter in 2021 and expanded it into a full-fledged media company the following year.

Reports indicate that the acquisition of The Free Press occurred for $150 million in cash and shares from Paramount.

Weiss emphasized the aim of The Free Press to blend quality journalism from the past with the freedom of the present, stating her goal is to “see the truth and communicate it clearly.” She mentioned the skepticism around building a media company based on trust instead of partisanship, pointing out that many believed it to be a relic or an unattainable dream. “You proved them wrong. You showed there was a demand for honest journalism, empowering us to pursue our mission on a larger platform,” she said.

As she takes on her new responsibilities, Weiss will also remain the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Free Press. She noted, “Today, I am the editor-in-chief of CBS News, collaborating with colleagues on influential programs like ’60 Minutes’ and ‘Sunday Morning’, which reach millions of Americans.” This is particularly significant amid recent upheavals within the industry, especially the surprising cancellations of “60 Minutes” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

Weiss has consistently positioned herself as a critic of traditional media’s liberal biases, suggesting her new role might shake things up. The prospect of her leadership at CBS has already drawn ire from some on the left, particularly concerning her stances on various social issues and her reporting related to Israel amid tensions surrounding Hamas.