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The Free Press

Independent digital media for investigative journalism

Overview

The Free Press produces independent digital journalism focused on investigative reporting and analysis of current events and culture. It publishes in-depth stories and provocative commentary to help readers gain a deeper understanding of issues. The company monetizes through subscriptions, advertising, and partnerships with other media or organizations. Its approach centers on honest, nonpartisan reporting and thoughtful analysis to stand out from other media outlets. The goal is to provide readers with trustworthy, well-researched information that informs public discussion and civic understanding.

Significant Headcount Growth

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About The Free Press

Simplify's Rating
Why The Free Press is rated
C+
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated D+ on Differentiation

Industries

Data & AnalyticsEntertainment

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Acquired

Total Funding

$15M

Headquarters

Los Angeles, CA

Founded

2022

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Simplify's take

What believers are saying

  • Paramount’s October 6, 2025 acquisition supplied capital and CBS-scale promotion.
  • Free Week-style promotions and audio, video, events widen the top-of-funnel audience.
  • Business and technology expansion under Mark Gimein opens higher-value advertising and subscriber inventory.

What critics are saying

  • Bari Weiss splits attention between CBS News and The Free Press, weakening execution.
  • Paramount ownership ties the brand to CBS politics and future integration pressure.
  • One major editorial mistake can trigger subscriber churn and kill the independent-premium promise.

What makes The Free Press unique

  • Bari Weiss built a 1.5 million-subscriber contrarian brand, with 170,000 paid readers.
  • October 6, 2025 Paramount kept The Free Press independent, preserving its separate voice.
  • Mark Gimein’s November 2025 hire deepens business and technology coverage beyond opinion.

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Funding

Total Funding

$15M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

2 Rounds

Acquisition funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Acquisition Funding Comparison Coming Soon

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

5%

1 year growth

6%

2 year growth

-1%
World News Network
May 16th, 2026
Todd Benz takes helm of The Free Press Monday

Todd Benz takes helm of The Free Press Monday

Talking Biz News
Nov 24th, 2025
Free Press hires Gimein as business and tech editor

Free Press hires Gimein as business and tech editor. November 23, 2025. Posted by chris roush. Mark Gimein has been hired as business and technology editor of The Free Press. He has been managing editor of The Week since July 2018. Before that, he was features editor at Village Voice. Gimein also worked as a senior editor at Bloomberg from October 2011 to January 2015 and a columnist for Slate's The Big Money website. He also spent four years as a senior writer for Fortune.

Financial Post
Oct 6th, 2025
Bari Weiss becomes CBS editor-in-chief as Paramount buys her startup

Paramount acquired startup The Free Press for about $150 million, appointing its founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. Read on.

De Tijd
Oct 6th, 2025
David Ellison Acquires The Free Press

David Ellison, an American entrepreneur and businessman, is expanding his media empire by acquiring the news site The Free Press. This marks his first deal since gaining control of another entity earlier in the summer.

Dotfyi Media Ventures Pvt Ltd
Oct 3rd, 2025
Bari Weiss Joins CBS News in $150M Deal

Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press, is set to become Editor-in-Chief of CBS News following Paramount's acquisition of her startup for $150 million. The deal aims to revitalize CBS News by leveraging Weiss's ability to connect with diverse audiences. The Free Press will remain independent under Paramount, allowing Weiss to maintain its authenticity while expanding her influence through CBS. This move highlights the growing value of independent media in the digital age.

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