Bari Weiss, co-founder of The Free Press, is set to lead a new debate show on CBS News that will engage with pressing societal issues. This move comes after Paramount announced its acquisition of The Free Press, with Weiss taking on the role of editor-in-chief at CBS News. The announcement was reported by The Wall Street Journal on October 6, 2025.
The collaboration aims to prioritize “news that reflects reality” while fostering journalism that seeks to understand rather than demonize differing viewpoints. Weiss and Paramount CEO David Ellison expressed their commitment to these principles during discussions with the Wall Street Journal.
In a letter shared with CBS News employees, Weiss reaffirmed her dedication to core journalistic values, emphasizing the need for balanced scrutiny of American political parties. She stated, “What I can tell you on day one is that I stand for the same core journalistic values that have defined this profession since the beginning, and I will continue to champion them alongside you.”
Ellison added that Weiss will report directly to him, highlighting the goal of transforming CBS News into “the most trusted name in news.” He noted that there is a significant demand for news that is balanced and fact-based, and CBS aims to meet that need.
Despite Weiss’s new role, The Free Press will maintain its independence and continue producing content for its subscribers. CBS News has positioned this development as an opportunity to enhance its news offerings, aiming for a more diverse and inclusive perspective.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions on social media. Several left-leaning journalists and public figures expressed discontent ahead of Weiss’s official appointment, criticizing her perceived biases, particularly regarding her pro-Israel stance. For instance, Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks commented on X, asserting that Weiss’s views would diminish CBS News’s credibility.
As the transition unfolds, Weiss, CBS News, and Paramount have yet to respond to inquiries from various media outlets, including the Daily Caller News Foundation. This appointment marks a significant shift in the landscape of American news media, as Weiss’s approach may redefine how contentious topics are debated and presented to the public.
The future of CBS News under Weiss’s leadership is poised to attract both a loyal following and vocal critics, which may ultimately shape the network’s direction in a rapidly evolving media environment.