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CBS News is on the verge of a significant transformation. Paramount, its parent company, is nearing a $150 million deal to acquire The Free Press, the media outlet founded by former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss. In a surprising turn, Weiss is expected to take the lead at CBS News, shifting the network’s editorial direction with a fresh and controversial approach.
Bari Weiss, a bold choice to lead CBS News
If everything goes through as expected, Bari Weiss will assume the role of editor-in-chief at CBS News—a position that places her directly under Paramount CEO David Ellison. By bypassing the traditional chain of command at the network, this setup signals just how seriously Paramount is taking this pivot in strategy. It’s a move that clearly stakes the future of CBS News on Weiss’ unique vision and digital savvy.
Ellison reportedly initiated talks with Weiss months ago, attracted by her commitment to a “digital-first” approach to news and her willingness to challenge mainstream narratives. Though she has minimal experience in broadcast journalism, Weiss has built an audience by writing and publishing essays on controversial and underrepresented topics that spark debate. Her Substack community, and later The Free Press, gained traction for their direct tone and editorial independence. For Ellison, betting on her worldview might revitalize a legacy network searching for relevance.
When I first heard about this deal, I blinked. Bari Weiss at CBS News? It’s unexpected, maybe even jarring, but also oddly logical. Whether we agree with her or not, she has an undeniable ability to spark conversation—and that, like it or not, is something traditional news outlets are struggling to do in a fragmented 2024 media landscape. To read Gwen Stefani headlines magical 2025 Disney Christmas Parade
A new voice, endorsed from the top
Shari Redstone, former chair of Paramount Global, has voiced her approval. Her rationale? Weiss could “bring a different perspective” to the table—a key strength when so much of media seems to echo itself. Redstone emphasized the idea that audiences should be exposed to a mix of viewpoints, and trusted to form opinions on their own. It’s a sentiment rooted in a more open vision of journalism, though it doesn’t come without controversy and scrutiny.
Let’s be honest—CBS News has long been viewed as a traditional, middle-ground outlet. Bringing in Weiss risks alienating parts of its current audience but might also draw a younger, more skeptical generation who no longer trust the old news model. It’s an all-in gamble with no guaranteed payoff.
The finer points of the deal
While the acquisition is valued at around $150 million, the structure of the payment remains a question. How much is in stock, how much in cash, and whether there’s an earn-out clause based on performance haven’t been revealed. That ambiguity fuels speculation in media circles about how far Paramount is willing to go in this gamble.
Here’s what we know so far:
- The deal is likely to close soon, pending final arrangements.
- The Free Press will be absorbed into CBS News operations.
- Bari Weiss will become editor-in-chief, reporting directly to David Ellison.
- Existing CBS News leadership could see a dramatic restructuring.
Inside CBS, the mood seems mixed. Some are intrigued—others are waiting, hesitant, unsure what tone Weiss will set. After all, bringing in someone from outside the TV world always stirs unease. But maybe that’s exactly the point—a shake-up. A comfortable newsroom might be one that’s lost touch with its audience. To read Toho expands into Europe with bold anime distribution moves
Changing the DNA of a broadcast institution
It’s still too early to predict what kind of editorial direction CBS News will take under Weiss. Her work so far suggests an interest in long-form storytelling, skeptical interrogation of elite narratives, and a clear desire to re-center journalism around unfiltered conversation. Depending on your stance, that could either be an exciting reinvention or a red flag.
In any case, this moment feels like a turning point. Not just for CBS News, but for how legacy media approaches relevance in the digital age. Is this a reset, a shock to the system, or a misstep? As someone who grew up with the evening news playing in the background, I never thought CBS would make a move like this. But honestly? I’m curious to see what comes next.
