Channels with Peter Kafka Inside Bari Weiss’s Rise: LA, Sun Valley, and the Mogul Network
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Jan 7, 2026 
Charlotte Klein, a media reporter for New York Magazine, dives into the meteoric rise of Bari Weiss, exploring her transition from the New York Times to becoming a media mogul in LA. They discuss Weiss's distinct brand, her anti-cancel stance, and her influential network among media giants. Klein highlights Weiss's charm and networking prowess, key to her ascent. They analyze the motivations behind her partnership with David Ellison and potential challenges she faces at CBS News, including her limited TV experience and the need to adapt to a digital future.
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Built A Broadly Appealing Contrarian Brand
- Bari Weiss used her post-Times years to craft a distinct anti-woke, anti-cancel brand that appealed across ideological lines.
- That positioning made her a safe, high-profile voice for people seeking alternatives to mainstream media narratives.
Moguls Hired Explainers, Not Reporters
- Hollywood moguls sought outsiders like Weiss to translate workforce and cultural upheaval into digestible narratives.
- Her writing offered these leaders a framework to understand and respond to internal and public pressures.
Salons, Podcasts, And Serendipitous Introductions
- Weiss spoke at Brian Grazer's salon alongside stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian, raising her profile in L.A.
- Her podcast with J.K. Rowling then caught Ted Sarandos' attention at a dinner, widening her mogul network.
