The Free Press

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

About The Free Press

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

Industries

Data & Analytics

Entertainment

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Acquired

Total Funding

$15M

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

Founded

2022

Get referred to The Free Press

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Paramount’s October 6, 2025 deal validates The Free Press as a premium media asset.
  • 2026 events and podcasts show audience engagement beyond newsletters and drive subscription conversion.
  • Mark Gimein’s November 2025 hire expands business and technology coverage into higher-value beats.

What critics are saying

  • Paramount owns The Free Press, so editorial independence faces corporate strategy changes.
  • Bari Weiss’s brand concentration creates key-person risk across subscriptions, podcasts, and events.
  • Substack-style distribution leaves The Free Press exposed if platform economics or policies change.

What makes The Free Press unique

  • Bari Weiss now leads CBS News after Paramount’s October 6, 2025 acquisition.
  • The Free Press pairs opinion, investigations, podcasts, and live events for subscribers.
  • Its October 2025-September 2026 roster includes new business coverage under Mark Gimein.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

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

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 6%

1 year growth

↑ 6%

2 year growth

↑ 8%
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.

Recently Posted Jobs

Sign up to get curated job recommendations

The Free Press is Hiring for 3 Jobs on Simplify!

Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today

Don't see your dream role? Check out thousands of other roles on Simplify. Browse all jobs →