Independent journalist Bari Weiss is reportedly in talks to take a senior editorial role at CBS News as new Paramount CEO David Ellison moves forward with a deal to acquire her outlet, The Free Press.
Ellison, who took over Paramount last month following an $8 billion merger with Skydance, is said to be “at the one-yard line” in negotiations. The acquisition could cost between $100 million and $200 million.
Weiss’ Rise
Weiss, a former New York Times editor, left the paper in 2020 after publicly criticizing its workplace culture.
She has since built The Free Press into an influential publication known for challenging progressive orthodoxy on issues like diversity programs, gender ideology, and Israel.
Her reporting has earned praise from conservatives while drawing hostility from left-leaning media outlets.
Media Backlash
HuffPost called Weiss “polarizing,” while Salon labeled The Free Press a “conservative outlet.”
The Nation went further, branding her a “vile grifter” in an editorial that warned of CBS News being “handed over to one of the leading hateful propagandists of our time.”
CNN’s Oliver Darcy argued that Ellison was betraying his pledge not to politicize Paramount, saying the deal would “erode trust” among CBS’s traditional audience.
Reaction Online
The development sparked strong reactions on social media. Ex-Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz wrote, “The right wing grift economy is undefeated.”
Progressive streamer Hasan Piker quipped, “finally! a pro israel voice in mainstream media!”
Liberal columnist Jill Filipovic suggested Weiss has a niche audience but warned her “lane is not running CBS News.”
Support From Critics of Legacy Media
While much of the pushback has come from the left, conservatives and critics of mainstream outlets see Weiss as a potential force for reshaping CBS News, which has struggled with ratings and credibility in recent years.
