A Major Shakeup in Media: Paramount's Bold Move to Redefine News with Bari Weiss at the Helm
In a striking development that could reshape the media landscape, Paramount Skydance has acquired The Free Press, the digital news and commentary platform co-founded by Bari Weiss. Alongside this acquisition, Weiss has been appointed as the editor-in-chief of CBS News, signaling a significant shift in the network’s editorial direction.
The Free Press, launched in 2021 by Weiss together with her wife, Nellie Bowles, and her sister, Suzy Weiss, was created as a platform that challenges mainstream media narratives. It positions itself as a heterodox voice, especially pushing back against what it describes as prevailing ideological biases, particularly those associated with the political left. This approach aims to offer readers an alternative perspective that many feel is missing from traditional news outlets.
This acquisition marks one of the most impactful early initiatives by David Ellison, the head of Skydance, who took control of Paramount in a blockbuster $8 billion deal earlier this year. Ellison’s vision for the company includes a comprehensive overhaul of its news division, with a focus on embracing a wider spectrum of viewpoints.
When seeking federal approval for the merger, Skydance made a public commitment to promote "diverse viewpoints" and to reflect "the varied ideological perspectives of American viewers." As part of this promise, the company also pledged to appoint an ombudsman to oversee CBS News, a venerable institution with nearly a century of history, ensuring accountability and fairness in its reporting.
Weiss expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This collaboration allows our commitment to fearless, independent journalism to reach a vast, diverse, and influential audience." She emphasized honoring CBS News’ storied legacy while dedicating herself to the mission of creating "the most trusted news organization of the 21st Century."
The Free Press boasts a substantial following, with approximately 1.5 million subscribers on Substack, including over 170,000 paying members, according to Paramount Skydance. The Financial Times has estimated that the publication generates upwards of $15 million annually from subscriptions, though this figure has not been independently verified by NBC News.
David Ellison praised Weiss, calling her "a proven champion of independent, principled journalism," and expressed confidence that her entrepreneurial spirit and editorial insight would breathe new life into CBS News. He framed this move as part of a broader strategy to modernize content delivery and deepen engagement with audiences worldwide.
The initial discussions between Ellison and Weiss about this acquisition were first reported in late June by Status, a newsletter focused on the media industry. It’s worth noting that Ellison is the son of Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle, adding an interesting layer of tech-industry influence to this media deal.
Bari Weiss’s journey to this point is notable. She left her role in the opinion section of The New York Times, publicly criticizing the paper for fostering what she called an "illiberal environment." This departure led her to co-found The Free Press, which has since gained attention for its critical stance on mainstream media.
In April 2024, The Free Press made headlines when it published an essay by Uri Berliner, a senior business editor at National Public Radio (NPR). Berliner accused NPR of operating under a "progressive worldview," a claim that sparked debate and led to his resignation from NPR and subsequent move to The Free Press.
The Free Press features a diverse lineup of contributors, including economist and podcaster Tyler Cowen, author Matthew Continetti—known for his work on American conservatism—and historian Niall Ferguson, who brings a British-American perspective.
CBS News itself has been under intense scrutiny recently. Last year, former President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against Paramount, alleging that "60 Minutes" deceptively edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. CBS denied these allegations, but Paramount ultimately settled the lawsuit for $16 million.
Adding to the controversy, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently investigating whether CBS engaged in "news distortion." The FCC is chaired by Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, which adds a politically charged dimension to the inquiry.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Does Paramount’s acquisition of The Free Press and Bari Weiss’s new leadership at CBS News signal a genuine commitment to ideological diversity, or is it a strategic move to appeal to a specific audience segment? Could this shift risk alienating traditional viewers or compromise journalistic standards in pursuit of a new market?
What do you think? Is this a refreshing change for mainstream media, or a troubling sign of increasing polarization? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
Reported by Daniel Arkin, National Reporter at NBC News.
