Bari Weiss: The Controversial Journalist Reshaping American Media in 2025

In October 2025, Bari Weiss made headlines once again by becoming the editor-in-chief of CBS News following Paramount's acquisition of her media company, The Free Press. This appointment marks the culmination of a remarkable journey from opinion editor to media entrepreneur, positioning the 41-year-old journalist as one of the most influential voices in American journalism today.

From Pittsburgh to Media Prominence: Bari Weiss's Early Life

Born on March 25, 1984, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bari Weiss grew up in a Jewish family in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Her formative years were shaped by her family's business background—her parents owned Weisshouse, a flooring and furniture company founded in 1943. Weiss attended the Tree of Life Synagogue, the same synagogue that would later become the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history in 2018.

Her educational journey took her to Columbia University, where she graduated in 2007. During her sophomore year, Weiss co-founded Columbians for Academic Freedom, responding to allegations of classroom intimidation of pro-Israel students. This early activism would foreshadow her later career as a journalist unafraid to tackle controversial topics.

Building a Journalism Career: From Wall Street Journal to New York Times

Weiss began her professional journalism career at prominent publications including Haaretz and The Forward in 2007. She later served as senior news and politics editor at Tablet magazine from 2011 to 2013, focusing on Jewish life and culture.

In 2013, Weiss joined The Wall Street Journal as an op-ed and book review editor, a position she held until 2017. Her departure coincided with her growing concerns about editorial resistance to pieces critical of President Trump, setting the stage for her next career move.

The New York Times recruited Weiss in 2017 as part of an initiative to broaden ideological diversity in its opinion section. During her tenure, she wrote provocative pieces on cultural appropriation, the #MeToo movement, and political polarization. Her 2018 article "Meet the Renegades of the Intellectual Dark Web" introduced mainstream audiences to alternative thinkers and commentators operating outside traditional media frameworks.

The Dramatic Exit: Resignation from The New York Times

Weiss's time at The New York Times came to an abrupt end in July 2020 with a widely publicized resignation letter. She accused the newspaper of "unlawful discrimination, hostile work environment, and constructive discharge," citing alleged bullying by colleagues and claiming the publication had become too influenced by social media criticism.

Her resignation letter, which criticized the Times for "caving to the whims of critics on Twitter," garnered support from political figures across the spectrum, from senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio to former Democratic presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Marianne Williamson.

The Free Press: Building an Independent Media Empire

Following her departure from The New York Times, Weiss launched "Common Sense," a Substack newsletter that later evolved into The Free Press. The publication, co-founded with her spouse Nellie Bowles, has grown into a comprehensive media company featuring investigations, commentary, podcasts, and live events.

The Free Press has attracted 1.5 million subscribers, including 170,000 paid members, generating an estimated $15 million annually. The publication has tackled controversial topics including gender-affirming healthcare, COVID-19 policies, diversity programs, and Middle East politics, consistently positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream media narratives.

Political Views and Public Positioning

Weiss describes herself as a "radical centrist" and has voted for candidates from both major political parties. She supported Republican Mitt Romney in 2012 and Democrats Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden in subsequent presidential elections. Her positions include being pro-choice, pro-Israel, and supporting gay marriage.

Despite this seemingly centrist stance, Weiss has been characterized as conservative by various publications. Her criticism of "woke" culture and progressive institutions has made her a polarizing figure, attracting both fierce supporters and vocal critics.

The CBS News Appointment: A New Chapter

In October 2025, Paramount Skydance announced its acquisition of The Free Press for $150 million, simultaneously appointing Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. This unprecedented move brings someone with no traditional broadcasting experience to lead one of America's most storied news organizations.

The appointment reflects Paramount's strategy to modernize CBS News and attract diverse viewpoints, though it has raised questions about Weiss's qualifications to manage a global television news network. Industry observers are watching closely to see how her editorial vision will reshape the network's coverage and positioning.

Personal Life and Achievements

Weiss married former New York Times tech reporter Nellie Bowles in 2021, and the couple has two children together. Her previous marriage to environmental engineer Jason Kass ended in 2016. She notably dated future Saturday Night Live star Kate McKinnon during their time at Columbia University.

Her book "How to Fight Anti-Semitism," published in 2019, examines rising antisemitism through the lens of the Tree of Life synagogue massacre. The Jerusalem Post named her the seventh most influential Jew in the world in 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bari Weiss

What is Bari Weiss's educational background?

Weiss graduated from Columbia University in 2007 and also studied at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She was active in campus politics and founded the Columbia Coalition for Sudan.

Why did Bari Weiss leave The New York Times?

Weiss resigned in July 2020, citing alleged bullying by colleagues, a hostile work environment, and concerns that the newspaper was too influenced by social media criticism rather than journalistic principles.

What is The Free Press?

The Free Press is Weiss's independent media company, originally launched as a Substack newsletter called "Common Sense." It features investigations, commentary, podcasts, and live events, attracting 1.5 million subscribers.

What are Bari Weiss's political views?

Weiss describes herself as a "radical centrist," supporting both Republican and Democratic candidates in different elections. She is pro-choice, pro-Israel, and supports gay marriage while criticizing progressive "woke" culture.

The Future of American Journalism

As Bari Weiss assumes leadership of CBS News, her appointment represents a broader shift in American media. Her career trajectory from traditional newsrooms to independent media and back to legacy broadcasting illustrates the evolving landscape of journalism in the digital age.

Whether her unconventional approach will revitalize CBS News or create new controversies remains to be seen. What's certain is that Weiss continues to be one of the most watched figures in American media, capable of generating intense discussion about the role of journalism in democratic society.

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