News Summary
Bari Weiss’s appointment as editor-in-chief of CBS News follows Paramount’s acquisition of The Free Press, where she continues as CEO. Weiss aims to bring impactful journalism to CBS, yet faces skepticism about managing both roles effectively. The Free Press, recognized for its diverse perspective, appeals to younger audiences and critiques mainstream media biases. As Weiss leads CBS through significant media landscape shifts, concerns about maintaining journalistic integrity and credibility persist.
NEW YORK – Bari Weiss has been appointed as the editor-in-chief of CBS News, marking a substantial shift in the leadership of the media organization. The move comes in conjunction with Paramount’s acquisition of The Free Press for approximately $150 million in cash and stock. Weiss co-founded The Free Press in 2021 and will retain her role as CEO and editor-in-chief of the independent publication, which has positioned itself against what it views as the biases of mainstream media, especially those perceived as liberal-leaning.
This acquisition was revealed by Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, who has characterized The Free Press as “new media’s cool kid.” Weiss has indicated her commitment to delivering impactful journalism at CBS News, rallying her new team with an energetic call to action. The Free Press has been recognized for its approach to providing “fair, fearless, and factual” reporting, appealing particularly to younger audiences comprised largely of Gen Z writers.
In light of the recent leadership change, there are concerns and skepticism about Weiss’s ability to balance her dual roles at CBS and The Free Press. Reports suggest that The Free Press has faced scrutiny for its critiques directed at mainstream media practices. Since leaving The New York Times in 2020, citing workplace bullying from colleagues as a reason, Weiss has sought to create an outlet that diverges from traditional reporting standards.
An event titled “the Future of American Power” in Washington, D.C., prominently featured Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries and a notable figure in defense technology. The event served to celebrate Weiss and addressed cultural threats stemming from what Luckey described as a pro-litigation and pro-nanny state environment. Attendees at the subsequent after-party included a diverse mix of young professionals, libertarians, and admirers of Weiss, all engaging in discussions over drinks while showcasing merchandise with varying slogans regarding capitalism and free speech.
Critics at the event voiced doubts regarding Weiss’s capacity to unify her vision for The Free Press with her responsibilities at CBS News. Nevertheless, Weiss has maintained a firm stance on her commitment to journalist integrity and impactful news delivery. The Free Press has distinguished itself through a variety of articles and has employed reputable columnists, including Yale Law Professor Jed Rubenfeld and George Mason University economist Tyler Cowen, thus strengthening its credibility and reach.
The Free Press has quickly emerged as a notable player in the media landscape, especially as it continues to attract a younger demographic that values alternative perspectives not typically represented in mainstream outlets. Both Weiss and Luckey have found themselves making professional comebacks, having previously been marginalized within established media and tech institutions.
The situation at CBS News underscores significant tensions within the media industry, as questions about credibility, accountability, and bias remain predominant in discussions surrounding journalism today. With Bari Weiss at the helm, both CBS and The Free Press are poised for a redefined future in reporting, navigating the complex landscape of modern media.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- The Guardian
- Business Insider
- Wikipedia: Journalism
- Google Search: media changes 2025
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
