Paramount Skydance Acquires The Free Press for $150 Million, Bari Weiss to Lead CBS News

New York, NY – Paramount Skydance, the parent company of CBS News, announced on October 6, 2025, its acquisition of The Free Press, the media company founded by journalist Bari Weiss, for approximately $150 million in a cash and stock deal. As part of the acquisition, Bari Weiss, co-founder of The Free Press, has been appointed to the newly created position of editor-in-chief of CBS News, marking a significant shift in the media landscape.

The Free Press originated as a newsletter named Common Sense in 2021, launched by Weiss after her departure from The New York Times. It rapidly expanded into a full-fledged media company by 2022, known for its focus on politics, culture, and current events, often characterized by an "anti-woke" or centrist perspective. The platform boasts over 136,000 paid subscribers and generates at least $10 million annually.

The acquisition by Paramount Skydance represents a strategic move to integrate The Free Press's digital reach and distinct editorial voice into a major broadcast news operation. While the deal is expected to broaden The Free Press's audience, it has also sparked discussions regarding potential conflicts of interest and editorial independence, given Weiss's new dual role. Critics have noted her limited experience in broadcast journalism.

The Free Press has garnered both praise for its "unflinching alternative to traditional media organizations" and criticism for its perceived right-leaning bias and specific reporting on topics such as gender-affirming care and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Media observers, including John Oliver, have highlighted concerns about the publication's editorial direction, which often critiques left-leaning viewpoints.

This high-profile acquisition and leadership change underscore the ongoing consolidation and ideological shifts within the news industry. The move by Paramount Skydance is anticipated to reshape CBS News's editorial strategy and potentially influence its coverage, as it brings a prominent voice from the independent media sphere into mainstream broadcasting.