Posting Through It 074: Bari Weiss is 'Honestly' Flailing at CBS News feat. Justin Baragona
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Jan 26, 2026 Justin Baragona, media reporter who covers politics and culture, breaks down Bari Weiss’s rapid reshaping of CBS News. He traces her rise from the New York Times to the Free Press and Honestly. The conversation covers newsroom shakeups, programming stunts, pro-Israel and anti-woke editorial shifts, billionaire backers, and the impact on ratings and staff morale.
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Centrist Branding Masks Ideological Shift
- Bari Weiss was positioned as a mainstream 'centrist' despite a long history in opinion and pro-Israel circles.
- Her appointment at CBS signals ideological reshaping, not neutral newsroom stewardship.
Substack To Nine-Figure Payday
- Bari Weiss turned her Substack 'Common Sense' into the Free Press with billionaire backing and syndication.
- David Ellison paid nine-figure money to fold her brand and talent into a larger media play.
Wealthy Backers Bought Influence
- Weiss cultivated wealthy allies by flattering their views and promising a media outlet for their grievances.
- That social capital translated into funding and influence to reshape mainstream outlets.
