In a seismic shift for American broadcast journalism, Bari Weiss—co-founder of the digital media outlet The Free Press—has been named editor in chief of CBS News, following Paramount’s acquisition of her publication. The move marks a bold new chapter for one of the nation’s oldest and most respected news divisions, once led by legends like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite .
Table of Contents
- The Deal at a Glance
- Who Is Bari Weiss?
- What This Means for CBS News
- Reaction from the Industry
- The Future of Trust in Media
- Sources
The Deal at a Glance
Paramount announced on Monday, October 6, 2025, that it had acquired The Free Press for approximately $150 million in a mix of cash and company stock. The final amount will be paid out over time and could shift based on Paramount’s stock performance .
As part of the agreement, Bari Weiss will step into the role of editor in chief at CBS News—a position that puts her in charge of hundreds of journalists, producers, and on-air talent across the globe. She will report directly to Paramount CEO David Ellison and collaborate with Tom Cibrowski, president of CBS News.
Who Is Bari Weiss?
At just 41 years old, Bari Weiss has become one of the most polarizing—and influential—voices in modern media. A former op-ed editor and writer at The New York Times, she left in 2020 citing concerns about institutional conformity and ideological groupthink.
In 2021, she co-founded The Free Press as a newsletter-turned-media brand promoting what she calls “honest, independent journalism.” The outlet now employs over 50 people and has drawn notable contributors like Glenn Loury, Matt Taibbi, and Andrew Sullivan.
Weiss has positioned The Free Press as an antidote to what she describes as a “timid and untrustworthy” mainstream media landscape—an ethos she now plans to bring to CBS News.
Bari Weiss’s Vision for CBS News
In a letter to Free Press subscribers, Weiss said her new role offers a chance to shape iconic programs like “60 Minutes” and “CBS Sunday Morning.”
“It gives The Free Press a chance to help reshape a storied media organization—to help guide CBS News into a future that honors those great values that underpin The Free Press and the best of American journalism.”
Analysts say the move reflects Paramount’s urgent need to revitalize CBS News amid declining ratings, shifting viewer habits, and growing public skepticism toward legacy media. By tapping Weiss—a figure known for challenging orthodoxies—Paramount is betting on disruption over tradition.
Reaction from the Industry
Reactions have been swift and split. Supporters hail the appointment as a long-overdue injection of fresh perspective, while critics question whether a digital-native editor with no television experience can effectively lead a global broadcast operation.
Still, the acquisition signals a broader trend: traditional networks are increasingly looking beyond their walls for innovation. Just last year, CNN brought in digital strategists from Substack and Axios to overhaul its digital presence.
The Future of Trust in Media
At its core, this deal is about trust—or the lack thereof. According to Pew Research, only 32% of Americans say they trust the news “most of the time.” Bari Weiss’s rise represents an attempt to rebuild that trust by blending legacy credibility with digital authenticity.
Whether this experiment succeeds may determine not just the fate of CBS News—but the future direction of American journalism itself.
