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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Bari Weiss

Bari Weiss is an American journalist, opinion writer, and media entrepreneur.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Bari Weiss is an American journalist and media entrepreneur. She founded The Free Press and serves as editor-in-chief of CBS News.

What it is

Bari Weiss is an American opinion writer, editor, and founder of The Free Press, a media company originally launched as a Substack newsletter called Common Sense. She also hosts the podcast Honestly. Recent reporting identifies her as the editor-in-chief of CBS News.

Why it matters

Weiss has become a prominent voice in debates over free speech, media bias, and progressive politics. Known for her pro-Israel commentary and criticism of what she sees as illiberal trends on the left, she has drawn both praise and criticism. Her work at The Free Press and CBS News continues to shape coverage of culture, politics, and antisemitism.

Key details

Weiss previously worked at The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times as an opinion writer and editor. She married journalist Nellie Bowles. Her writing often focuses on politics, cultural issues, and antisemitism. She has described herself as a left-leaning or radical centrist, while others label her conservative.

In short

  • Founded The Free Press (formerly Common Sense) and hosts Honestly podcast.
  • Recent appointment as editor-in-chief of CBS News.
  • Known for pro-Israel views and criticism of progressive politics.
  • Previously worked at The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Quick questions

Who is Bari Weiss?
Bari Weiss is an American journalist, opinion writer, and media entrepreneur known for founding The Free Press.
What is Bari Weiss known for?
She is known for opinion journalism, founding The Free Press, her pro-Israel views, and her criticism of progressive politics and media institutions.
What is The Free Press?
The Free Press is a media company founded by Bari Weiss, originally a Substack newsletter called Common Sense.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bari_Weiss
    Supports: Birth date, occupation, career summary, The Free Press, and general biographical details.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Bari-Weiss
    Supports: American opinion journalist, employment at The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and appointment at CBS News.
  3. Bari Weisshttps://www.bariweiss.com/
    Supports: Self-described roles, The Free Press, Honestly podcast, awards, and personal statement that she lives with her wife and daughter.
  4. Jewish Telegraphic Agencyhttps://www.jta.org/2025/10/06/united-states/bari-weiss-free-press-founder-who-started-as-antisemitism-crusader-named-editor-in-chief-of-cbs
    Supports: Her prominence, pro-Israel/antisemitism-related coverage, and appointment as editor-in-chief of CBS News.
  5. NPRhttps://www.npr.org/2025/10/06/nx-s1-5563786/bari-weiss-cbs-news-free-press
    Supports: The Free Press acquisition context and Weiss's appointment to lead CBS News.