Paramount’s Bold Media Power Play: Free Press Bought, Bari Weiss Named CBS News Editor in Chief
In a move that could reshape American broadcast journalism, Paramount is finalizing a deal to acquire The Free Press—the digital media outlet co-founded by Bari Weiss—for approximately $150 million, according to three people briefed on the negotiations . As part of the agreement, Weiss, 41, will assume the newly created role of Editor in Chief of CBS News, wielding editorial authority over flagship programs like “60 Minutes” and the network’s global newsroom.
Why This Deal Sends Shockwaves Through Media
Weiss, a former New York Times opinion editor who left in 2020 citing an “illiberal environment,” launched The Free Press in 2021 as a platform for heterodox journalism and anti-“woke” commentary. The outlet has since grown to 1.5 million subscribers, blending opinion essays with original reporting on politics, culture, and business.
Deal Breakdown: Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Acquirer | Paramount Global |
| Target | The Free Press (founded 2021) |
| Deal Value | ~$150 million (cash + stock, paid over time) |
| New Role for Bari Weiss | Editor in Chief, CBS News |
| Current CBS News President | Tom Cibrowski (to remain in role) |
Potential Culture Clash at CBS News
The merger raises immediate questions about integration. The Free Press is a lean, opinion-driven digital startup, while CBS News is a legacy broadcast institution with hundreds of journalists and global bureaus. Weiss has no prior experience managing television news operations—a gap that could fuel internal tension.
Political and Legal Backdrop
This deal follows a turbulent year for CBS News:
- Former President Trump sued Paramount over a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris in October 2024.
- Paramount settled the lawsuit for $16 million in mid-2025—a move critics called an attempt to appease Trump during regulatory review of its merger with Skydance.
- Key executives, including “60 Minutes” producer Bill Owens and CBS News president Wendy McMahon, departed amid claims of eroded editorial independence.
Insight: With David Ellison (CEO of Paramount and founder of Skydance) championing “truth” and “facts,” Weiss’s appointment signals a strategic pivot toward media credibility through contrarian voices—potentially redefining what “mainstream” news looks like in 2025.
