CBS News has announced a significant change in its leadership by naming Bari Weiss, a prominent conservative journalist and founder of The Free Press, as its new head. Weiss, age 41, will take charge in the imminent future, according to insiders familiar with the decision. This move coincides with the acquisition of her successful independent news platform, The Free Press, which has bucked the trend of declining subscriptions.
Weiss, a former opinion writer for the New York Times, launched The Free Press in early 2021, providing a mixture of center-right commentary on the Biden administration's economic policies and incisive cultural critiques. Her ascendancy to the top of CBS News follows the merger between entertainment giants Paramount and Skydance.
Currently, CBS News is the third-ranked network behind ABC and NBC in terms of viewership. Weiss's new role will have her report directly to David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance, creating an unconventional command structure that allows her to bypass CBS News president Tom Cibrowski. Cibrowski, while recognized as a skilled producer, is not seen as a journalist with the same hard-hitting reputation as Weiss. Trending Politics notes that this could set up a competitive dynamic within the organization.
The sale of The Free Press is expected to fetch a combination of $150 million in cash and stock, with the potential for additional earnings based on performance. Executives have stated their intention to allow The Free Press to continue operating independently from CBS News.
Observers of the industry suggest that Weiss will significantly influence CBS News' editorial direction. Many interpret her appointment as an implicit admission that the network requires a conservative slant, especially during the second Trump administration. However, it is not yet clear whether Weiss, who also hosts her show "Honestly with Bari Weiss," will assume an on-camera role at CBS.
Tensions are anticipated within the network as Weiss's involvement may disrupt existing partnerships, including the venerable "60 Minutes" program, whose team is reportedly resistant to top-down changes. The show recently faced controversy over its coverage of Kamala Harris in 2024, which led to a substantial settlement in a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump.
Weiss's conservative approach is expected to introduce a new dynamic to the network's coverage, with plans to push for more rigorous reporting on political and cultural issues. Known for her strong support of Israel, Weiss has been vocal about her stance, especially in light of rising antisemitism at top Ivy League universities. On May 22, 2025, she tweeted, "Venomous, untrue statements about Israel, its supporters, and the war against Hamas in Gaza have chipped away at the old taboo against open antisemitism in America..."
