NEW YORK: Paramount Skydance said Monday it has acquired online publication The Free Press and appointed its co-founder and CEO, Bari Weiss, as editor-in-chief of CBS News.
The Free Press, launched by Weiss in 2021 following her departure from The New York Times’ opinion desk, will be integrated into CBS News. Paramount said the digital outlet has amassed 1.5 million subscribers, including more than 170,000 paid members.
Weiss will report directly to Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison and is tasked with shaping editorial priorities, promoting core values across platforms, and driving innovation in news delivery, the company said in a statement.
The acquisition, reportedly valued at $150 million, marks the latest strategic move by Ellison since Paramount and Skydance completed their merger in August. It also follows a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which prompted Paramount to appoint an ombudsman to address political bias concerns at CBS News.
In a memo to staff, Ellison acknowledged the heightened political climate and its impact on media discourse.
“If we are to move forward, we must find our way back to the ideals that shaped both our country and civilization itself: open exchange of ideas, vigorous yet respectful debate, and a genuine regard for the beliefs and traditions of others,” Ellison wrote.
Weiss echoed the sentiment in her own note to CBS News employees, pledging to listen and collaborate.
“My goal in the coming days and weeks is to get to know you,” Weiss wrote. “I want to hear from you about what’s working, what isn’t, and your thoughts on how we can make CBS News the most trusted news organization in America and the world.”