CBS News Names Bari Weiss Editor-in-Chief Following Paramount Skydance Purchase of The Free Press

Paramount Skydance has acquired the commentary website The Free Press, founded by Bari Weiss, and appointed her as the editor-in-chief of CBS News, marking a significant shift for the network under CEO David Ellison. Weiss, known for her polarizing, anti-woke views and her previous tenure as an opinion writer at The New York Times, will maintain leadership of The Free Press while leading CBS News and hosting her podcast. The acquisition, reportedly valued at around $150 million, aligns with Paramount's strategy to modernize content and connect more directly with audiences, emphasizing balanced and fact-based news. Weiss will report directly to Ellison and work alongside CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, aiming to invigorate CBS News with her entrepreneurial vision and editorial priorities. This move has sparked controversy, particularly among liberals and progressives, due to Weiss's conservative-leaning stances and the network's recent legal and reputational challenges. Paramount assures that The Free Press will retain its independent brand and operations while contributing to CBS News' future direction.