Paramount just made a headline-grabbing move — CBS News was just taken over by a Substack. In a $150 million deal, Paramount acquired The Free Press, the independent media outlet founded by Bari Weiss. As part of the acquisition, Weiss will now serve as the new editor-in-chief of CBS News, signaling a major shift in the network’s editorial direction.
A Substack Newsletter Just Rewrote Media History
When Bari Weiss launched The Free Press (originally Common Sense) on Substack in 2021, few expected it to grow into one of the most influential independent news platforms. Fast-forward to 2025, and the publication’s success has literally changed the course of mainstream journalism — CBS News was just taken over by a Substack that began as a one-woman newsletter.
Who Is Bari Weiss? From Op-Eds To Network Powerhouse
Before founding The Free Press, Weiss built her career at major institutions like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Between 2013 and 2017, she served as an op-ed and book review editor for The Wall Street Journal. Later, at The New York Times, she worked to bring more ideological diversity to the opinion section during Donald Trump’s first term.
In 2020, Weiss resigned from the Times, citing an “illiberal environment.” That departure led to her Substack venture — one that would ultimately reshape her career and, now, CBS News itself.
The Free Press’ Meteoric Rise
The Free Press quickly became a go-to outlet for readers seeking independent, uncensored journalism. According to Paramount’s press release, the publication’s revenue grew 82% in the past year alone, while total subscribers surged 86% to reach 1.5 million — including 170,000 paid supporters.
This incredible growth story explains why CBS News was just taken over by a Substack instead of a traditional media partner. Weiss’ approach — direct-to-reader storytelling and transparency — clearly resonated with audiences tired of legacy media’s perceived bias.
What This Means For CBS News
Paramount’s decision to bring Bari Weiss into CBS News leadership could mark the start of a new editorial era. Industry insiders suggest this move may shift CBS News toward more open debates and diverse viewpoints — a hallmark of The Free Press.
For Substack and independent journalism, it’s a landmark moment. A newsletter that began as an alternative to mainstream outlets now has its founder running one of the biggest networks in America. In short, CBS News was just taken over by a Substack, and the implications could ripple across the media landscape for years to come.
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