In a landmark media shakeup signaling a potential shift towards conservative influence, Paramount, under CEO David Ellison, is reportedly finalizing a $200 million acquisition of The Free Press, the news organization founded by Bari Weiss. Concurrent with this acquisition, Weiss is poised to take on a senior editorial role at CBS News, a move anticipated to significantly impact the network’s journalistic direction. This development, first reported by Puck on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the evolving media landscape.
The Players Involved
The key figures driving this significant shift are Paramount CEO David Ellison, the driving force behind the acquisition, and Bari Weiss, the founder of The Free Press, whose editorial vision is now set to influence CBS News. CBS News itself stands as the established media institution poised for potential transformation.
Acquisition Details and Timeline
The acquisition of The Free Press, launched by Bari Weiss in 2022, is nearing completion, with lawyers finalizing the agreement, according to reports from TheWrap. This move coincides with Weiss’s anticipated appointment to a senior editorial position at CBS News, potentially reshaping the network’s editorial strategy. The deal was initially reported by Puck on September 3, 2025, highlighting the rapid pace of developments.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Deal
Conservative Influence and Corporate Restructuring
The acquisition aligns with David Ellison’s vision for a more conservative approach at CBS News, as reported by Newsmax. This strategic shift follows Paramount’s recent $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, placing CBS and CBS News under Ellison’s leadership. This merger also drew scrutiny from the Trump administration, leading to conditions for approval that included the appointment of an internal ombudsman to ensure even-handedness and the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Paramount, according to InformationLiberation.
Bari Weiss’s Background and The Free Press
Bari Weiss, known for her critique of mainstream media and her independent approach, founded The Free Press after her departure from The New York Times in 2020. Weiss cited a hostile work environment related to ideological diversity as the reason for her departure. Since its inception, The Free Press has consistently challenged left-leaning cultural and social views and provided a platform for pro-Israel writers.
Impact on CBS News and Potential Fallout
The impending acquisition and Weiss’s new role are expected to intensify tensions within the CBS News newsroom, which has already been unsettled by recent corporate changes and the elimination of DEI initiatives. Sources cited by Mediaite indicate that resignations are anticipated as a result of Weiss’s arrival. Her appointment signals a significant reshaping of CBS News’ editorial direction, aiming to introduce greater viewpoint diversity and a more conservative perspective. KABC-AM has also reported on the potential for internal disruption within CBS News.
Credibility and Sources
The details of this news are based on reports from multiple sources, including TheWrap, Puck, Newsmax, KABC-AM, Mediaite, and InformationLiberation. These outlets have provided comprehensive coverage of the acquisition, Weiss’s appointment, and the potential implications for CBS News.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Bari Weiss’s The Free Press by Paramount and her subsequent role at CBS News represents a significant shift in the media landscape. Driven by David Ellison’s vision and the aftermath of the Paramount-Skydance merger, this move is poised to introduce a more conservative perspective to CBS News, potentially reshaping its editorial direction and sparking internal tensions. The long-term impact of this conservative influence remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of American media.
