In a headline-grabbing media shake-up, Paramount has appointed conservative commentator Bari Weiss as the new editor-in-chief of CBS News.
The move follows the media giant’s acquisition of The Free Press, a platform Weiss launched in 2022.
The decision has sparked both intrigue and criticism, with many viewing it as a strategic pivot by Paramount to align CBS News more closely with right-leaning perspectives, particularly as the United States gears up for a high-stakes election year.
Bari Weiss named editor-in-chief of CBS News
Bari Weiss, a former New York Times opinion writer, is widely known for her outspoken views. She has built a reputation as a critic of progressive movements and an unapologetic defender of Israel.
Her media platform, The Free Press, has become a hub for commentary that challenges liberal orthodoxies.
Weiss now steps into one of the most influential roles in American broadcast journalism.
“This move is part of Paramount’s bigger vision to modernise content and the way it connects directly and passionately to audiences around the world,” said David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, on Monday.
Ellison lauded Weiss’s “entrepreneurial drive and editorial vision”, making clear that the media group sees her as a catalyst for transformation.
Behind the Scenes: Mergers, Promises and Settlements
The announcement follows the August merger of Paramount and Skydance Media, a move that reshaped the media landscape in the US.
In order to secure regulatory approval for the deal, Skydance promised to promote greater “viewpoint diversity” at CBS, as noted by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr.
Paramount’s editorial strategy has also been under scrutiny due to a recently settled defamation lawsuit with former President Donald Trump.
The company agreed to pay $16 million to resolve the case, which revolved around a 60 Minutes segment.
While many observers dismissed the lawsuit as politically motivated, the payout raised eyebrows in the media industry.
Weiss’s Controversial Yet Influential Rise
Weiss left The New York Times in 2020, citing a hostile internal environment toward her centrist and conservative views.
She claimed she faced “constant bullying” from colleagues. Her exit letter went viral, turning her into a polarising figure across the political spectrum.
In launching The Free Press, Weiss tapped into an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with mainstream media.
The platform has since tackled contentious issues such as vaccine scepticism and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives.
These topics, frequently echoed by voices within the Trump movement, have found a growing audience. Still, Weiss hasn’t been a blanket supporter of right-wing positions.
The Free Press has run critical pieces on Republican stances, particularly on abortion, carving out a niche for the publication as a provocative yet unpredictable player in the media ecosystem.
Her roster of supporters includes some of the biggest names in business and tech:
- Marc Andreessen (Venture Capitalist)
- David Sacks (Tech Investor)
- Howard Schultz (Former Starbucks CEO)
- Paul Marshall (Hedge Fund Manager)
Controversies Continue
Weiss’s new role comes at a time when The Free Press faces backlash for its coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
One article, The Gaza Famine Myth, challenged reports of famine in the war-torn region, contradicting claims by the United Nations and humanitarian organisations.
The piece has drawn criticism for downplaying the severity of the crisis in Gaza. Yet for her backers, this brand of unfiltered reporting is precisely what’s missing from much of today’s media.
A Defining Moment for CBS News
Weiss will report directly to David Ellison, a figure with deep political connections. Ellison is the son of Larry Ellison, Oracle founder and close ally of Donald Trump.
The editorial shift raises key questions:
- Will CBS News maintain its reputation for balanced reporting?
- Or is this the beginning of a more ideologically driven newsroom?
What’s clear is that Weiss’s appointment is not a neutral move. It signals a bold and possibly risky gamble by Paramount to redefine one of America’s most trusted news outlets.
As the media landscape continues to fracture and realign, Bari Weiss finds herself at the epicentre of the battle for public trust in journalism.
