Bari Weiss Leads CBS News Restructuring with Layoffs and Division Shutdowns
CBS News is undergoing significant restructuring under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, resulting in workforce reductions and the closure of its radio division. The moves, announced on March 20, 2026, reflect a broader shift in the media landscape and Paramount’s efforts to modernize its content strategy.
Workforce Reduction and Department Closure
Approximately 6% of CBS News employees are being laid off, following an initial round of cuts in October when Weiss took on her role. These initial layoffs were part of a larger reduction of around 1,000 employees across Paramount [1]. In addition to the staff reductions, CBS News Radio, a service operating for nearly 100 years, will cease operations on May 22, 2026, eliminating all positions within the division [1].
Paramount’s Acquisition of The Free Press and Weiss’s Appointment
These changes follow Paramount’s acquisition of The Free Press, a subscription-based media company founded by Bari Weiss, in October 2025. David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount (a Skydance Corporation), appointed Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News as part of the deal [1], [2]. The acquisition aims to combine CBS News’ reach with The Free Press’s independent voice and innovative approach to journalism [1].
Strategic Vision and Goals
Ellison and Weiss have both emphasized a commitment to bolstering trust in CBS News and delivering balanced, fact-based reporting. Ellison stated the goal is to develop CBS News “the most trusted name in news” [1]. Weiss has expressed a desire to hear from CBS News staff to understand what is working and what needs improvement, aiming to make CBS News the most trusted news organization in America and the world [3].
The Free Press’s Performance
Prior to the acquisition, The Free Press experienced significant growth, increasing its revenues by 82% and its subscriber base by 86% to 1.5 million, with over 170,000 paid subscribers [1]. The publication will continue to operate independently, maintaining its brand and offering reporting, video, audio podcasts, and events [1].
Financial Details
The Wall Street Journal reported the acquisition price of The Free Press to be $150 million [3].