CBS News is making headlines with the announcement that Bari Weiss will be its new editor-in-chief. This change comes after Paramount, the parent company, agreed to purchase Weiss’s media outlet, The Free Press, for $150 million.
Weiss, known for her independent voice and previous work at The New York Times, will report directly to David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance. This means she will bypass the usual chain of command at CBS News, which includes president Tom Cibrowski and CBS president George Cheeks. While The Free Press will remain a separate entity under Paramount, Weiss’s new role gives her significant influence over CBS News’s editorial direction.
This appointment marks a notable shift in the media landscape. Weiss left The New York Times in 2020, citing a hostile work environment and bullying. Since then, she has built a reputation for inviting diverse viewpoints on her podcast, “Honestly.” Her move to CBS News is seen as a step towards balancing the often progressive slant of major news organizations.
Paramount’s decision reflects a growing trend in corporate media to embrace voices that challenge the dominant left-leaning narratives. Although Weiss does not identify as a conservative, her connections with right-leaning figures and her commitment to a more balanced dialogue may resonate with audiences seeking alternative perspectives in news coverage.
As Weiss prepares to take the helm at CBS, many are watching closely to see how her leadership will shape the future of the network and its approach to journalism.
