Bari Weiss named editor-in-chief of CBS News as Paramount acquires The Free Press
Paramount Acquires The Free Press, Bringing Independent Journalism to CBS News
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, has made a significant move in the media industry with the acquisition of The Free Press, a prominent independent subscription media company. This strategic partnership aims to combine the scale and reach of CBS News with The Free Press’ influential voice and innovative approach, setting a new standard for trusted journalism in America.
Bari Weiss, co-founder and CEO of The Free Press, will join CBS News as editor-in-chief, bringing her expertise in championing independent and principled journalism to the organization. David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, expressed his excitement about welcoming Bari and The Free Press to the team, highlighting their commitment to modernizing content and connecting with audiences worldwide.
Ellison emphasized the importance of this initiative for Paramount, with Bari leading the work of The Free Press and collaborating with the CBS News team to establish it as the most trusted name in news. The goal is to provide balanced and fact-based reporting that resonates with a majority of the country.
While The Free Press will maintain its independent brand and operations, it will continue to produce reporting, video and audio podcasts, and events for its growing community of subscribers. Since its founding in 2021, The Free Press has experienced significant growth, with a substantial increase in revenues and subscribers, solidifying its position as a leading digital media outlet.
Editorial Leadership and Innovation
As editor-in-chief of CBS News, Bari Weiss will play a crucial role in shaping editorial priorities, championing core values, and driving innovation in reporting and news delivery. Weiss will collaborate with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, under the leadership of Paramount’s Chair of TV Media, George Cheeks, to ensure a unified approach across various platforms.
Weiss expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the opportunity to expand The Free Press’s fearless journalism to a wider audience through CBS News. The mission is to build the most trusted news organization of the 21st Century, honoring the legacy of CBS News while embracing new opportunities for growth and impact.
Special Free Week Offer
To introduce The Free Press to millions of Americans, the site will be offering a special Free Press “Free Week” from October 6 to October 12. During this period, visitors can access all Free Press content, including videos, commentary, and livestreams showcasing diverse perspectives. This initiative aims to engage new audiences and showcase the unique offerings of The Free Press.
For more information and to take advantage of the Free Week offer, visit thefp.com.



