In a significant move, Paramount announced on Monday that it has acquired the news and commentary website The Free Press, appointing its founder, Bari Weiss, as the new editor-in-chief of CBS News. This strategic acquisition reflects Paramount's belief that the American public yearns for news that is balanced, fact-based, and free from bias. The decision to bring Weiss on board marks a bold step for CBS News, a network historically viewed as part of the liberal media landscape.
Bari Weiss, known for her resistance to mainstream media orthodoxy and her critiques of woke culture, is set to redefine CBS News. David Ellison, who recently took over leadership of CBS News after Skydance's acquisition of Paramount, expressed confidence in Weiss's ability to reinvigorate the network. “I am confident her entrepreneurial drive and editorial vision will invigorate CBS News,” Ellison stated, emphasizing the company's ambition to modernize its content and enhance its connection with global audiences.
While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, The Free Press has garnered an impressive following, boasting 1.5 million subscribers since its inception by Weiss after her departure from The New York Times. Weiss's resignation letter highlighted a culture of intolerance within the Times, where she claimed to have faced bullying from colleagues who opposed her views. In her new role, Weiss will report directly to Ellison and collaborate with current CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, who in turn reports to Paramount executive George Cheeks.
The position of editor-in-chief is a new addition to CBS News, and Ellison outlined Weiss's responsibilities, stating that she will “shape editorial priorities, champion core values across platforms, and lead innovation in how the organization reports and delivers the news.” Weiss expressed her eagerness to connect with CBS News employees, stating, “I want to hear from you about what’s working, what isn’t, and your thoughts on how we can make CBS News the most trusted news organization in America and the world.”
Despite the excitement surrounding Weiss's appointment, some CBS News staff members have voiced concerns regarding the network's potential shift towards a more favorable stance towards former President Donald Trump. This apprehension is fueled by the recent merger of Paramount with Skydance, which was approved shortly after settling a lawsuit involving CBS's flagship program, 60 Minutes. Ellison has also appointed Kenneth Weinstein, a former head of a conservative think tank and Trump contributor, as an ombudsman to address complaints regarding CBS News.
As she takes on her new role, Weiss aims to uphold core journalistic values by reporting on events as they are and maintaining fairness, fearlessness, and factual accuracy. In a recent memo to CBS News staff, she reiterated her commitment to these principles, which have long defined the profession. Notably, Weiss's political stance has been described as centrist, and she previously authored a column titled “10 ways to fight back against woke culture” for the New York Post.
Ellison's vision for CBS News aligns with a growing concern about the partisanship that has permeated media outlets, which he argues threatens societal cohesion. In his letter to Paramount employees, he remarked, “When we reduce every issue to ‘us vs. them’ or ‘my way vs. the wrong way,’ we close ourselves off from listening, learning, and ultimately growing.” A recent survey by the Pew Research Center indicated a marked disparity in trust levels towards CBS News, with 56% of Democrats expressing trust compared to only 23% of Republicans. This highlights the critical challenge ahead for Weiss and her team as they strive to regain credibility across the political spectrum.
