Entertainment03 October, 20252 min read
Paramount Skydance Acquires The Free Press and Appoints Bari Weiss Editor-in-Chief of CBS News
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Paramount Skydance is acquiring The Free Press, founded by Bari Weiss. Bari Weiss will become editor-in-chief of CBS News in a major leadership change.
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Paramount Skydance Media Acquisition
Paramount Skydance is set to acquire The Free Press, a digital media company founded by Bari Weiss, for approximately $150 million in cash and stock. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Paramount Skydance to revitalize CBS News, a legacy TV news organization facing management challenges and political pressures.
“Paramount has agreed to acquire Bari Weiss’s four-year-old digital media company, the Free Press, for about $150 million in cash and stock.”
The deal also follows Paramount's settlement of a $20 billion lawsuit with former President Trump, which cleared the way for this acquisition. The Free Press will remain an independent entity for now, but there are possibilities of future integration with CBS News' digital platform.
Bari Weiss Leads CBS News
Bari Weiss, known for her outspoken criticism of antisemitism and progressive elites in mainstream media, will be appointed as the editor-in-chief of CBS News. This appointment is seen as a significant shift in the network's leadership and editorial direction, with Weiss expected to bring major changes to CBS News.
She will report directly to Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, bypassing the current CBS News leadership. This reporting structure has raised questions about the future of CBS News President Tom Cibrowski.
Paramount Skydance News Changes
The acquisition and Weiss's appointment are part of a broader restructuring effort by Paramount Skydance to address CBS News' declining ratings and perceived liberal bias. Weiss, who has shifted politically from center-left to right, is expected to introduce more conservative voices to the network. This move aligns with Skydance CEO David Ellison's goal to appeal to a broader audience, including those who identify as center-left or center-right politically.
“The appointment reflects Ellison’s goal to introduce more conservative voices to CBS News after the merger.”
Leadership Changes at CBS News
Weiss's leadership is expected to cause significant changes within CBS News. CBS News has faced criticism for its liberal bias and a decline in public trust. Her opposing views, especially on diversity initiatives and gender topics, have made her a divisive figure.
Some employees at CBS News are worried about the new direction under her leadership. Others, however, welcome the possibility of increased editorial freedom and a wider range of perspectives.
