Biography
Bari Weiss is an American journalist who built a reputation covering campus speech debates, anti-Semitism, and free expression disputes before founding The Free Press, an independent media outlet that originated as a Substack newsletter in 2021 and relaunched as a standalone publication in 2022.
Media Career
The Wall Street Journal (2013-2017)
Weiss contributed opinion pieces and editorials to The Wall Street Journal, focusing on campus speech controversies and cultural debates.
The New York Times (2017-2020)
Joining the Times opinion section, she commissioned opinion pieces across the ideological spectrum and publicly raised concerns about newsroom speech norms. Her resignation letter described a dispute over newsroom culture and editorial practices.
The Free Press (2021-Present)
Weiss launched a Substack newsletter in 2021, which grew into The Free Press, an umbrella for newsletters, podcasts, and live events featuring a range of perspectives on American politics, universities, and global conflicts.
Influence and Reception
- Contributor to public discussions about anti-Semitism and Jewish identity in U.S. politics through reporting and commentary.
- Hosts the “Honestly” podcast interviewing political, cultural, and academic figures.
- Frequent media guest analyzing campus protests, speech policies, and the role of independent journalism.
- Organizes Free Press live forums featuring speakers from different political backgrounds.
Weiss continues to expand The Free Press, which publishes reporting and commentary across politics, media criticism, and cultural topics.