Paramount Global has acquired The Free Press, the independent media startup founded by journalist Bari Weiss, in a deal worth about $150 million.
Weiss will become editor-in-chief of CBS News, while continuing as CEO and editor of The Free Press, which will “remain independent” within Paramount.
Breaking News: Paramount is buying The Free Press for $150 million and appointing Bari Weiss, the news site's co-founder, as the editor in chief of CBS News. https://t.co/8hvx1Vn8wJ pic.twitter.com/FHseQYJXVg
— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 6, 2025
The move marks an effort by Paramount’s new CEO David Ellison to reshape CBS News with Weiss’s editorial approach. Ellison said Weiss will “champion core values” and help make CBS “the most trusted name in news.”
Bari Weiss to be named editor in chief of CBS News as part of major Paramount Skydance shakeup: sources https://t.co/8TPY1WjLXm pic.twitter.com/LUuFgHdEFE
— New York Post (@nypost) October 2, 2025
Weiss said the partnership allows her outlet to bring its mission to millions while honoring the best traditions of American journalism.
Breaking: Paramount buys the Free Press for $150 million and names its founder Bari Weiss as editor in chief of CBS News https://t.co/4EC5QL7EhL
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 6, 2025
Known for its heterodox and often anti-woke commentary, The Free Press has drawn both praise and criticism. The acquisition highlights Ellison’s intent to inject balanced, fact-based journalism into CBS’s traditional news operations.
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