Paramount Skydance buys The Free Press, Weiss to head CBS News

Paramount Skydance this week announced a deal to acquire The Free Press for $150 million and named its founder, Bari Weiss, editor in chief of CBS News, positioning her to oversee both outlets and report directly to Paramount chairman David Ellison. The appointment marks a major leadership change for the broadcast division and a rapid elevation for Weiss, who will now be responsible for legacy programs and digital initiatives across the network.

Paramount said the acquisition brings a new audience and editorial approach to its news properties; David Ellison described The Free Press as "one of the most dynamic news organizations in the country." In a letter to readers after the transaction, Weiss said she hoped to expand the reach of her work, writing, "This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows us to do that."

Weiss, 41, rose through editorial ranks at national publications before resigning from a previous employer in 2020, citing workplace bullying and ideological conformity. She launched The Free Press in 2022 with the stated goal of creating a forum for heterodox viewpoints and rapid audience growth. The site became known for its commentary on Jewish life and Israel and for...