In a bold and potentially game-changing move, Paramount is betting big on a controversial strategy to revive CBS News in an era dominated by social media headlines. But here’s where it gets controversial: the media giant is placing its chips on Bari Weiss, a polarizing opinion writer, to lead the charge as the new editor-in-chief of CBS News. This comes as Paramount acquires The Free Press, a commentary site with a modest 170,000 paid subscribers—a fraction of CBS News’ massive viewership. Is this a recipe for success or a risky gamble?
Paramount is reportedly investing a staggering $150 million in this maneuver, despite insiders admitting the odds of success are slim and the move could invite more scrutiny than the company bargained for. David Ellison, Paramount’s CEO, expressed confidence in Weiss, stating, ‘Bari is a proven champion of independent, principled journalism, and her entrepreneurial drive will invigorate CBS News.’ He framed this as part of Paramount’s broader vision to modernize content and connect passionately with global audiences. But this is the part most people miss: not everyone agrees CBS News needs such a drastic overhaul. The network already boasts some of TV’s most-watched programs, like ‘60 Minutes’ and ‘CBS Sunday Morning’. Yet, its daily shows, including ‘CBS Evening News’ and ‘CBS Mornings,’ consistently trail behind competitors on ABC and NBC.
The Free Press will retain its independent brand and operations, continuing its reporting, podcasts, and events for its growing subscriber base. Meanwhile, Weiss will reshape CBS News’ editorial priorities and explore innovative ways to deliver news. She’ll collaborate with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, who reports to Paramount’s Chair of TV Media, George Cheeks. In a statement, Weiss celebrated the partnership, emphasizing ‘fearless, independent journalism’ and a mission to build ‘the most trusted news organization of the 21st century.’ Notably, she didn’t highlight the benefits for CBS News itself.
Among staffers, the announcement has sparked confusion and concern. Weiss has no experience running a major media company or a mainstream TV news division. There’s unease that her right-leaning perspective could alienate audiences seeking unbiased news, especially in a media landscape already crowded with conservative outlets. ‘Right now, I imagine you have some questions. I do, too,’ Weiss acknowledged in a memo to staffers, pledging to approach her new role with an open mind and a commitment to listening.
Morale at CBS News is already low, following a series of distracting moves by Paramount’s leadership. Recent decisions, such as appointing former Trump adviser Kenneth Weinstein as an ombudsman and agreeing not to edit newsmaker interviews on ‘Face the Nation,’ have left staffers uneasy. The $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a ‘60 Minutes’ interview further dampened spirits.
Weiss joins a long line of leaders who’ve attempted to boost CBS News’ fortunes, from Susan Zirinsky to Wendy McMahon. Each has tried to pivot programming and embrace digital innovation, yet challenges persist. Ellison’s plan to target center-left and center-right viewers and prioritize facts sounds promising, but the addition of Weiss raises questions. If she steers CBS News in The Free Press’s direction—with articles like ‘The ‘Jews’ Are a Proxy for a Far Bigger Political Fight’—could the network be accused of pushing a cultural or political agenda rather than simply reporting facts?
The Free Press has carved out a niche on the center-right, with 1.5 million subscribers (though only 170,000 pay). Yet, CBS News’ flagship shows attract far larger audiences, with ‘60 Minutes’ drawing 10 million viewers and even struggling ‘CBS Evening News’ averaging 3.7 million. As Weiss takes the helm, she’ll influence not just ‘CBS Evening News’ but also ‘Face the Nation,’ ‘CBS Mornings,’ and ‘48 Hours.’
Here’s the burning question: Can Bari Weiss truly re-energize CBS News, or will this move backfire? Will her leadership alienate viewers, or will it breathe new life into the network? And what does this mean for the future of unbiased journalism in an increasingly polarized media landscape? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
