Imagine a seismic shift in the landscape of American journalism: Bari Weiss, the outspoken founder of The Free Press, is now poised to lead CBS News as its editor-in-chief. This isn't just a routine hire—it's a development that's got the entire newsroom holding its breath, wondering if it signals a bold new era or a recipe for internal turmoil. But here's where it gets controversial: Will Weiss's contrarian style clash with CBS's storied legacy, or could it be the jolt the network desperately needs? Let's dive in and unpack this story step by step, exploring the details that have everyone talking.
Right after sealing Skydance's massive $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global on August 7, David Ellison, the CEO, made a beeline to the CBS News headquarters in Manhattan's west side. There, he met with the journalists and team members, showering praise on the division's illustrious history—think Edward R. Murrow, the legendary broadcaster who set the gold standard for integrity in reporting—and vowed to pour resources into its ongoing success.
Yet, this commitment is about to face its ultimate test. A deal that's been whispered about for weeks has just become official, and the stakes for CBS News couldn't be higher. Paramount announced on Monday that they've acquired The Free Press, the digital outlet launched by Bari Weiss, and are integrating her into the CBS News family. This move, while anticipated, has sparked a wave of apprehension within the news division.
Weiss will take on the role of editor-in-chief at CBS News, but in a unique twist, she'll operate independently of the traditional organizational hierarchy, reporting straight to Paramount CEO David Ellison. 'I have to imagine she'll serve as his eyes and ears within CBS News,' commented one insider at the company.
Ellison expressed his enthusiasm in a statement: 'We're delighted to bring Bari and The Free Press into the Paramount and CBS News fold. Bari is a proven advocate for independent, principled journalism, and I'm sure her innovative spirit and editorial vision will energize CBS News. This aligns with Paramount's broader goal to update our content and forge deeper, more passionate connections with viewers worldwide.' He continued, 'This is a key initiative for us, and Bari will report directly to me, overseeing The Free Press while collaborating with the CBS News team to cement it as the most reliable name in news. We believe most Americans crave balanced, fact-driven reporting, and we aim to make CBS their go-to source.'
Weiss echoed this optimism: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for The Free Press. Through this collaboration, our commitment to bold, unbiased journalism can now connect with a vast, varied, and powerful audience. By honoring CBS News's remarkable heritage, we're dedicated to a single goal: establishing the most trustworthy news entity of the 21st century.'
Importantly, The Free Press will continue to function as a separate entity, distinct from CBS News.
According to sources, the news division's staff is more bewildered than anything else by this appointment. Weiss lacks experience in television broadcasting—though her digital expertise might be the real game-changer as TV news evolves toward online platforms—and her title as editor-in-chief feels out of place. For beginners in media, think of it this way: In print journalism like newspapers or magazines, an editor-in-chief oversees the entire editorial direction. But TV news often runs differently, with a centralized reporting team where each show is guided by its executive producer and on-air talent. And this is the part most people miss: TV networks prioritize visual storytelling and live broadcasts, which can make a print-style editor role tricky to navigate.
Staff members are also puzzled by hiring a journalist known for her dissenting views, especially after Ellison's warm words to the CBS News team on the day the Paramount deal closed. He made the newsroom his first stop, emphasizing his dedication to upholding CBS's reputation. At a subsequent press conference, he reiterated his vision: 'We aim to be grounded in facts and truth as a news organization. That's our essence, rooted in CBS's legacy from Edward Murrow. Essentially, we're in the business of trust, truth, and facts. We want to attract the broad middle of America—from center-left to center-right—and stay true to the heritage we're inheriting, with investments to back it up.'
In a memo to the staff on Monday, Ellison reflected on the media's role: 'While the media was created to educate the public and encourage dialogue on current issues, it has often morphed into a space that fuels the partisanship dividing our society.' He added, 'I don't claim to have all the answers to this problem. But I do think each of us has a duty to contribute. At Paramount, we have a special chance and responsibility as guardians of one of the world's most revered news institutions. We're pushing ourselves to improve, leveraging our wide reach to model positive, respectful, and non-partisan conversations. Our clear mission is to keep this global stage a haven for truth-seeking, comprehension, and factual engagement. That's our core purpose.'
How this vision aligns with Weiss's approach remains uncertain, given her well-documented stances on various topics—unless Ellison has more such partnerships planned to diversify perspectives. And this is where it gets really intriguing: Some staff are scratching their heads over how Weiss will interact with Tom Cibrowski, who stays on as president of CBS News. This setup has an external news executive wondering if she'll wield more influence than expected on CBS News content, or perhaps far less.
On one hand, her prestigious title and direct CEO access—bypassing other layers of management—could empower her to make changes that Cibrowski might not, or to override decisions from senior producers. On the other hand, she's essentially detached from the main CBS News structure. The anchors and executive producers of CBS programs answer to Cibrowski, who reports to Paramount TV head George Cheeks, who in turn answers to Ellison and Jeff Shell. It might be challenging for her to exert real sway on programming without integrating into that framework.
Still, in her own memo to CBS staff, Weiss laid out 10 guiding principles she's bringing to the network, signaling her intent to make a significant mark. These include:
- Reporting that depicts the world accurately.
- Coverage that's impartial, courageous, and grounded in facts.
- Content that honors the audience by delivering truths straightforwardly, no matter where they point.
- Journalism that clarifies a chaotic, overwhelming world.
- Explanations that are clear, free from fancy language or technical terms.
- Scrutiny applied equally to both major American political parties.
- Embracing diverse viewpoints and voices to let audiences weigh the strongest arguments from every side.
- Pursuing the most compelling and vital stories, even if they're unpopular.
- Leveraging all modern digital tools.
- Recognizing that the best service to America is prioritizing facts above all.
CBS News has been embroiled in political controversies for nearly a year now. A pre-election interview with Vice President Kamala Harris led to a lawsuit from President Trump, settled for $16 million (though Trump claims it was closer to $30 million). Recently, CBS updated its interview guidelines for Face the Nation after backlash from an edited segment with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
This backdrop has the staff on edge, fretting about Weiss's potential influence on programming and the anticipated layoffs tied to broader Paramount cuts, expected soon. At 60 Minutes, CBS News's flagship show, tension is palpable. The recent appointment of Tanya Simon as executive producer was widely praised, but the program's famed autonomy—complete with its own reporters, producers, and a separate office building—is under threat. Former executive producer Bill Owens quit after CBS appointed Susan Zirinsky to oversee standards across CBS News, including 60 Minutes, seen as a breach of long-standing norms.
Yet, one seasoned news executive—admittedly skeptical of Weiss—suggests her arrival might serve as a necessary wake-up call. CBS Evening News and CBS Mornings have languished in third place for years, and the digital arm needs a revamp, especially as rivals like NBC News and CNN invest heavily in cutting-edge online strategies. In short, the old ways weren't cutting it. Whether Weiss is the catalyst for change CBS requires is debatable, but the newsroom is collectively anxious to see how this unfolds.
For context, you can check out Ellison and Weiss's full memos to the staff below.
Dear Paramount Team:
We can all sense that the heat in our national conversations has never been higher. What used to be space for thoughtful exchanges is now often filled with divisive partisanship and heated arguments. To progress, we need to return to the principles that built our nation and society: free idea-sharing, lively but courteous debates, and respect for differing beliefs and customs. This challenge affects the media too.
Though established to inform and spark discussions on pressing topics, the media has frequently turned into a megaphone for the very divisions fracturing our society. George Washington cautioned that partisanship is politics' greatest peril. Now, that risk extends beyond politics, endangering our communities. When we frame every debate as 'us versus them' or 'right versus wrong,' we shut down opportunities to listen, learn, and evolve as people and as a nation.
I don't have a magic fix for this issue. But I believe each of us must play our part. At Paramount, we have a rare opportunity and duty as caretakers of one of the globe's most esteemed news outlets. We're striving to excel, using our broad platform to showcase constructive, polite, and cross-aisle dialogue. Our mission is straightforward: to keep this worldwide stage a spot for truth discovery, insight, and factual interaction. That's our reason for being.
With that in mind, I'm pleased to announce that The Free Press is joining us. In just five years since launch, under Bari Weiss's guidance, The Free Press has become one of the nation's most vibrant news entities, appealing to readers of all ages and viewpoints. Driven by values like truth, balance, and idea exchange, they've worked to rebuild faith in journalism—and it's paying off. Their focus on independent, fearless reporting has attracted 1.5 million readers, with over 170,000 becoming paid subscribers—a remarkable feat in such a brief period.
Through this acquisition, Bari will serve as editor-in-chief of CBS News. She brings a zeal for connecting with wide audiences via thorough, evidence-based stories and a dedication to amplifying voices from every part of the spectrum. Paired with her drive to create, innovate, and push boundaries, she's an ideal match for our legendary news division. From our initial collaborations, I've seen Bari's boundless energy, sharp judgment, and knack for what captivates audiences. Alongside our gifted CBS News colleagues, she'll help keep our coverage pertinent, approachable, and—above all—credible in this evolving media landscape.
I'm optimistic that CBS News and The Free Press will achieve great progress, leading a vital shift in news creation, delivery, and consumption. Our aim is to expand our audience while reinforcing our role as a top voice in U.S. journalism. Trust and facts will always guide us as we strengthen ties with viewers. As a news organization, we play a crucial role in the lives of Americans from all walks, and we embrace that with care, honesty, and purpose. We want to contribute to a society where our common humanity binds us, and our differences empower rather than divide. We're poised for big accomplishments together. So, let's warmly welcome Bari and the whole Free Press team to this adventure.
Let's go!
David
Dear Colleagues:
I'm overjoyed and deeply honored to address you as the new editor-in-chief of CBS News. Growing up, CBS was a staple in our household. Hearing that iconic ticking sound or trumpet blast instantly transports me back to our living room in Pittsburgh. The chance to enhance that tradition with you—and refresh it for a time that sorely needs it—is an immense honor.
I suspect you have questions right now. I do too.
In the coming days and weeks, my priority is to connect with you. I want to learn what's going well, what's not, and your ideas for elevating CBS News to the most dependable news source in America and beyond. I'll tackle this like any journalist—with an open mindset, a fresh notepad, and a sense of urgency.
What I can share from the outset is my unwavering support for the fundamental journalistic ideals that have shaped this field forever, and I'll promote them with you:
- Reporting that depicts the world accurately.
- Coverage that's impartial, courageous, and grounded in facts.
- Content that honors the audience by delivering truths straightforwardly, no matter where they point.
- Journalism that clarifies a chaotic, overwhelming world.
- Explanations that are clear, free from fancy language or technical terms.
- Scrutiny applied equally to both major American political parties.
- Embracing diverse viewpoints and voices to let audiences weigh the strongest arguments from every side.
- Pursuing the most compelling and vital stories, even if they're unpopular.
- Leveraging all modern digital tools.
- Recognizing that the best service to America is prioritizing facts above all.
I eagerly anticipate meeting many of you soon and absorbing your insights. I'm profoundly grateful to join you—and I can't wait to begin.
With gratitude and excitement,
Bari
So, what do you think? Is Bari Weiss's appointment a bold step toward revitalizing CBS News, or does it risk undermining its credibility with her polarizing reputation? Could this lead to more balanced reporting, or might it introduce unwanted bias? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Ellison's vision of bipartisan dialogue, or do you see potential conflicts ahead? Let's discuss!
