Strictly Business Daily Variety -- Tatiana Siegel on Bari Weiss and What Her New Job Means for CBS News; Rome Media Market Heats Up
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Oct 9, 2025 
Tatiana Siegel, Variety's executive editor of Film and Media, dives into Bari Weiss's new role at CBS News and the industry buzz surrounding her hiring. She discusses Weiss's potential impact on the newsroom and varying perceptions of her politics. Joining her is Nick Vivarelli, a seasoned correspondent based in Rome, who sheds light on the rising Rome Media Market's influence on European co-productions and how Italians are embracing AI in content creation. Together, they explore key trends shaping the media landscape.
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Weiss Elicits Strong Reactions
- Bari Weiss provokes strong, polarized reactions and is seen as independently minded by some sources.
- Her Wall Street Journal and New York Times background suggests she can work within diverse newsrooms without abandoning journalism.
Free Press Had Real Market Impact
- The Free Press launched in 2021 and did break news while building events and revenue streams.
- Sources estimated Free Press brought in roughly $15–20 million per year before the Paramount deal.
Valuation Is Hard To Verify
- Industry contacts questioned the reported $150 million valuation for The Free Press.
- Tatiana found revenue signals that help explain a premium but left the exact valuation unclear.