Bari Weiss, co-founder of The Free Press, is set to launch a new debate show on CBS News, as confirmed by Paramount on October 6, 2025. This initiative comes after Paramount’s acquisition of The Free Press, with Weiss appointed as the editor-in-chief of CBS News. The show will aim to address pressing societal issues, modeled after the discussions featured on her original platform.
In a conversation with The Wall Street Journal, Weiss and Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, emphasized their commitment to journalism that reflects reality and fosters understanding rather than division. Weiss expressed her core journalistic values in a letter to CBS News employees, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing all political parties equally.
Commitment to Balanced Journalism
Ellison further elaborated on his vision for CBS News, stating that he aims to create a news outlet that prioritizes fairness and trustworthiness. “Bari will report directly to me, leading the work of The Free Press and collaborating with our CBS News team to establish it as the most trusted name in news,” he explained. Ellison believes that a significant portion of the American public desires balanced and fact-based reporting, and he wants CBS to fulfill that need.
Despite the transition, The Free Press will maintain its independence and continue to produce content for its existing subscribers. This dual structure aims to combine the strengths of both entities while preserving their distinct identities.
Reactions and Controversy
The appointment of Weiss has not been without controversy. In the lead-up to the announcement, several left-leaning journalists and public figures expressed their discontent regarding her pro-Israel stance and perceived biases. Cenk Uygur, a host at The Young Turks, took to social media to criticize Weiss’s appointment, claiming it would render CBS News ineffective. He suggested that her hiring was primarily motivated by her strong pro-Israel sentiments, a claim that has sparked significant debate.
As of now, neither Weiss, CBS News, nor Paramount has responded to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation regarding the backlash and the implications of her new role. The industry will be watching closely as Weiss begins her tenure and the new debate show unfolds, assessing its impact on the landscape of American journalism.
This move marks a significant shift in leadership at CBS News and indicates a potential change in its editorial approach, reflecting a growing demand for diverse viewpoints in media.
