Bari Weiss, co-founder of The Free Press, will oversee a new debate show on CBS News as part of a recent acquisition by Paramount. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on October 6, 2025, Weiss will also assume the role of editor-in-chief for CBS News, where she plans to implement a journalism approach that emphasizes understanding over demonization.
In a statement to CBS News staff, Weiss expressed her commitment to core journalistic values. She emphasized the need for journalism that holds both American political parties to equal scrutiny. Weiss declared, “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.”
Commitment to Balanced Journalism
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, reiterated his intention to make CBS News a trusted name in journalism. He stated, “Bari will report directly to me, leading the work of The Free Press and collaborating with our CBS News team in the pursuit of making it the most trusted name in news.” Ellison highlighted the desire for news that is balanced and fact-based, suggesting that there is significant demand for this type of journalism among the public.
Despite the positive reception from some quarters, Weiss’s appointment has drawn criticism from various left-wing journalists and public figures. Notably, Cenk Uygur from The Young Turks expressed his discontent on social media, arguing that Weiss’s pro-Israel stance has biased her reporting. Uygur claimed that her viewpoint was a motivating factor in her hiring by Ellison, a claim that was reported by the New York Post.
The Future of The Free Press
The Free Press is expected to maintain its independence, continuing to produce content for its subscribers while integrating with CBS News. This dual approach may allow Weiss to expand her influence and reach a broader audience without compromising the values that have defined her work thus far.
As Weiss steps into her new role, both she and Ellison aim to reshape CBS News into a platform that reflects a diverse range of perspectives. Their plans come at a time when the media landscape is increasingly polarized, highlighting the importance of balanced reporting.
While Weiss, CBS News, and Paramount did not provide immediate comments on the unfolding reactions to her appointment, the landscape of news media will undoubtedly be closely observed as this new chapter begins. The commitment to fair and factual journalism, as outlined by Weiss and Ellison, will be pivotal in determining the success of this initiative.
