When Bari Weiss, co‑founder and CEO of The Free Press walked into the Los Angeles headquarters of Paramount Skydance Corporation on Monday, October 7, 2025, she wasn’t just signing a contract. She was stepping into the role of editor‑in‑chief of CBS News, a move that could reshape the American news arena.
Deal Details and Financials
The deal, disclosed during a live press conferenceLos Angeles, values The Free Press at roughly $150 million. That price reflects the outlet’s rapid climb since its 2021 launch: 1.5 million total subscribers, more than 170,000 of which are paying members. Over the past twelve months the publication logged an 82 % jump in revenue and an 86 % surge in subscriber numbers.
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, 42, son of software magnate Larry Ellison, announced that the acquisition would keep The Free Press’s brand and editorial team intact while giving CBS News a fresh digital‑first edge.
Bari Weiss Takes the Helm at CBS News
In her first memo to the CBS News newsroom, Weiss wrote, “I stand for the same core journalistic values that have defined this profession since the beginning, and I will continue to champion them alongside you.” She stressed a commitment to “holding both American political parties to equal scrutiny,” a promise that feels like a direct response to the network’s recent controversy over a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump.
Weiss will report directly to David Ellison. Their partnership signals a shift from the traditional broadcast model to a hybrid that blends legacy programming – think 60 Minutes and CBS News Sunday Morning – with The Free Press’s subscription‑based, “anti‑woke” positioning.
Industry Reactions and Press Freedom Concerns
Media analysts were quick to weigh in. Katie Fallow, Deputy Litigation Director at Columbia University’s Knight First Amendment Institute, said, “This appointment underscores the accelerating consolidation of news outlets and raises questions about the diversity of editorial voices in the digital age.”
Meanwhile, rival publishers expressed unease. A spokesperson for The New York Times warned that “the blurring of lines between subscription platforms and broadcast networks could erode the distinct public‑service role that legacy newsrooms have historically served.”
Critics also pointed to the upcoming “Free Press Free Week,” a promotional period from October 6‑12, 2025, during which the paywall will be lifted. Some view the move as a clever audience‑building tactic; others see it as a test of how much of the audience will stay once the wall goes back up.
What This Means for the Media Landscape
From a business perspective, the acquisition represents Paramount’s broader strategy to modernize content delivery. The merger between Paramount and Skydance Media earlier that summer already signaled a desire to blend cinematic storytelling with news credibility.
For journalists, the deal could create a new career pathway: editorial leaders who prove themselves in subscription‑based digital venues may now ascend to helm traditional broadcast institutions. That could encourage more independent‑minded publishers to aim for similar exits, shaking up the long‑standing hierarchy of news media.
There’s also a political angle. With Weiss’s reputation for challenging “mainstream narratives,” CBS News may see a recalibration of its editorial tone, potentially affecting its relationship with Washington and its audience’s perception of bias.
Looking Ahead
The next few months will reveal whether the partnership delivers on Ellison’s promise of “balanced, fact‑based journalism.” Key milestones include the rollout of a joint investigative series slated for early 2026, and the integration of The Free Press’s podcast network into CBS’s radio platforms.
Industry watchers will also monitor audience metrics. If the combined subscriber base exceeds 2 million by mid‑2026, it could validate the theory that legacy broadcasters need a digital subscription engine to stay relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the acquisition affect CBS News viewers?
Viewers can expect more investigative pieces that blend CBS’s long‑form reporting style with The Free Press’s digital storytelling techniques. While the core programming schedule—like 60 Minutes—won’t change immediately, new podcasts and video series are slated for rollout in early 2026.
What does this deal mean for independent media outlets?
The purchase underscores that larger conglomerates see value in niche, subscription‑driven platforms. It could encourage more independent sites to pursue acquisition offers, but it also raises concerns about editorial independence once large corporations gain control.
Why did Paramount choose Bari Weiss for the role?
Paramount’s leadership highlighted Weiss’s entrepreneurial track record and her reputation for championing “principled journalism.” Her ability to grow The Free Press from zero to 1.5 million subscribers in four years was a key factor in the decision.
Will The Free Press keep its editorial voice?
Yes. The acquisition agreement stipulates that The Free Press will retain its brand, editorial staff, and independent operations, even as it shares resources with CBS News.
What are the financial expectations for the combined entity?
Analysts project that the merged news division could boost Paramount’s overall revenue by 4‑5 % within the next two fiscal years, driven by new subscription bundles and cross‑platform advertising.
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