Bari Weiss To Direct CBS News As Editor-In-Chief As Part Of Free Press Deal: Report

CBS News is reportedly set to name Bari Weiss as its inaugural editor-in-chief after Paramount inked a deal to buy Weiss’ outlet, The Free Press, for $150 million.

Weiss will report directly to Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, circumventing both CBS News president Tom Cibrowski and CBS president George Cheeks, who typically oversees all CBS News executives, according to the New York Post.

Weiss’ The Free Press will not be incorporated into CBS News, but will remain a standalone property under Paramount.

The $150 million buyout of The Free Press involves cash and stock options, according to the Post.

Weiss will move to helm the news division at CBS, vaulting her over reporters and anchors to have a significant hand in managing the editorial direction of the outlet, a remarkable comeback for a journalist who left The New York Times under controversial circumstances five years ago.

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Weiss has long been seen as an independent voice since her departure from the opinion page of The New York Times in 2020. In her resignation letter, Weiss cited “bullying by colleagues” and an “illiberal environment” among her reasons for leaving the paper. With the deal with Paramount, Weiss has sprung into a highly influential position as media organizations grapple with the heavy progressive slant that the largest outfits have operated under for decades.

Paramount’s decision to move Weiss to the helm of CBS News reflects a new dynamic in corporate media to invite in voices that are more critical of the political Left wing of the country. Though Weiss is not a conservative, she is friendly with many on the Right, often inviting them to come on her podcast “Honestly,” and her ascension should be seen as a positive development for conservatives who want to see a more balanced approach to politics in corporate media.