Paramount/Paramount Global buys The Free Press; Bari Weiss named CBS News editor‑in‑chief
Paramount, aligned with Skydance under CEO David Ellison, has acquired commentary site The Free Press and will integrate it with its CBS media holdings while keeping The Free Press as an independent brand — the outlet says revenue is up 82% year‑over‑year and subscribers are up 86% to 1.5 million (including more than 170,000 paid) and will run a paywall-free “Free Week” Oct. 6–12; reports conflict on the purchase price (Fox cites $150 million, while AP/PBS say no price was announced). Founder Bari Weiss will serve as editor‑in‑chief of CBS News while remaining CEO/editor‑in‑chief of The Free Press, reporting to Ellison and partnering with CBS News president Tom Cibrowski (who is reported to remain in his role), as CBS reportedly plans network‑wide layoffs of up to 10%.
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📌 Key Facts
- Paramount/Skydance (reported variously as Paramount, a Skydance corporation, or Skydance Media) has acquired commentary site The Free Press and is integrating it with its CBS media holdings.
- Some outlets reported the purchase price as $150 million paid in cash and Paramount stock, while other reports (via AP) said no purchase price was announced.
- Bari Weiss will join CBS News as editor-in-chief while remaining CEO and editor-in-chief of The Free Press.
- Weiss will report directly to acquirer David Ellison and will partner with CBS News President and executive editor Tom Cibrowski; Cibrowski is reported to remain in his position. Paramount executive George Cheeks is above them in the oversight structure.
- The Free Press will retain its independent brand and operations and will lift its paywall for a promotional 'Free Week' Oct. 6–12 to introduce the site to a broader audience.
- The Free Press has reported rapid growth: revenue up 82% year-over-year and total subscribers up 86% to about 1.5 million, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
- CBS is planning network-wide layoffs of up to 10% of its workforce this month, according to two people with direct knowledge of the plans.
- David Ellison praised Weiss’s entrepreneurial drive and editorial vision as the strategic rationale for the deal; Weiss told subscribers in an announcement she aims to 'seek the truth and tell it plainly' and to make CBS News 'the most trusted news organization.'
📚 Contextual Background
- FOX News Channel averaged 3.3 million weekday primetime viewers through September 2025, compared to 3.1 million for CBS, 3.1 million for ABC, and 3.0 million for NBC.
📰 Sources (5)
CBS buys commentary website The Free Press, installs founder Bari Weiss as CBS News editor-in-chief
New information:
- AP reports no purchase price was announced in the Paramount/Free Press transaction (contrasts with prior reporting that specified $150M).
- Direct quotes from David Ellison expressing the strategic rationale: 'I am confident her entrepreneurial drive and editorial vision will invigorate CBS News.'
- Details of internal reporting structure: Weiss will report directly to David Ellison and partner with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, with Paramount executive George Cheeks above them.
- Weiss’ employee letter quoted, outlining her immediate goals to meet staff and 'make CBS News the most trusted news organization' and describing her personal ties to CBS.
Bari Weiss joins CBS News as editor-in-chief, Paramount buys Free Press for $150 million
New information:
- Purchase price reported as $150 million paid in cash and Paramount stock.
- Bari Weiss will serve as editor‑in‑chief of CBS News while remaining CEO and editor‑in‑chief of The Free Press.
- The announcement was made by Weiss in an email to subscribers, including her quoted goal to 'seek the truth and tell it plainly.'
Bari Weiss named editor-in-chief of CBS News as Paramount acquires The Free Press
New information:
- Acquirer identified in article as 'Paramount, a Skydance Corporation' with David Ellison (Paramount/Skydance CEO) quoted about the deal.
- The Free Press' growth metrics: revenue up 82% year‑over‑year and subscribers up 86% to 1.5 million overall, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers.
- Operational arrangements and reporting lines: Bari Weiss will report directly to David Ellison and will partner with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski; The Free Press will retain its independent brand and operations.
- Promotional/reader plan: The Free Press will lift its paywall from Oct. 6–12 (a 'Free Week') to introduce the site to a broader audience.
CBS' next top editor to be Bari Weiss of The Free Press
New information:
- Bari Weiss will join CBS News as editor in chief.
- Skydance Media is acquiring The Free Press and integrating it with its CBS media holdings.
- CBS plans network‑wide layoffs of up to 10% of the workforce this month (reported by two people with direct knowledge).
- Tom Cibrowski, the current president and executive editor of CBS News, is reported to remain in his position and will be presented as a partner to Weiss.