Paramount/Paramount Global buys The Free Press; Bari Weiss named CBS News editor‑in‑chief
Paramount, in a deal reported as part of a Paramount/Skydance acquisition led by David Ellison, has bought The Free Press — some outlets reported a roughly $150 million price while others said no price was announced — and says the site will keep its independent brand and operations (citing rapid revenue and subscriber growth and a planned Oct. 6–12 “Free Week”). Founder Bari Weiss will become 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, as CBS prepares up to 10% workforce cuts and Weiss’s staff memo request has drawn pushback from unionized employees.
Corporate News
Labor
Media
Politics
📌 Key Facts
- Paramount/Skydance (described in coverage as Paramount and as Skydance/Paramount, with CEO David Ellison quoted) has acquired The Free Press and plans to integrate it with its CBS media holdings.
- Bari Weiss will join CBS News as editor-in-chief while remaining CEO and editor-in-chief of The Free Press; operationally she is reported to report directly to David Ellison and to partner with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski.
- Tom Cibrowski is reported to remain president and executive editor of CBS News and to be presented as a partner to Weiss; coverage also places Paramount executive George Cheeks above them in the reporting chain.
- Reports of the purchase price conflict: Fox News says the deal was for $150 million in cash and Paramount stock, while AP/PBS coverage noted that no purchase price was announced.
- The Free Press has posted rapid growth — revenue up 82% year-over-year and about 1.5 million overall subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid subscribers — and will lift its paywall for a promotional 'Free Week' (Oct. 6–12) to reach a broader audience.
- NPR reported that CBS plans network-wide layoffs of up to 10% of the workforce this month (attributed to two people with direct knowledge).
- Shortly after the announcement, Weiss emailed CBS News staff asking for memos on how they spend working hours, work they’re proud of, and what’s working or broken; the Writers Guild of America East advised represented employees not to respond until CBS answers an information demand and raised questions about who will access responses, potential use for discipline or layoffs, AI review, confidentiality and non-discrimination protections.
- David Ellison and others framed the acquisition and Weiss’s hire as strategic, with Ellison expressing confidence that her 'entrepreneurial drive and editorial vision will invigorate CBS News.'
📚 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 (6)
New CBS boss Bari Weiss tells staff to explain what they do during working hours, but union urges defiance
New information:
- Bari Weiss sent a Friday email directing CBS News staff to submit by Tuesday a memo detailing how they spend working hours, work they’re most proud of, and what’s working or broken in the newsroom, promising confidentiality and follow‑up meetings.
- The Writers Guild of America East advised represented CBS News employees to refrain from responding until CBS answers an information demand due Monday.
- The union’s questions include who received the email, who will access responses, whether responses could be used for discipline/layoffs, consequences for non‑response, whether AI will review submissions, how responses will be used, and how CBS will ensure non‑discrimination.
- CBS News did not immediately comment; the union had not confirmed receipt of CBS answers as of Monday morning.
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.