Bari Weiss to Lead CBS News Town Halls on Feminism and Faith
Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News, is poised to shape the network’s news division with a new series of primetime town halls and debates. This initiative falls under the banner “Things That Matter,” in collaboration with Weiss’ platform, The Free Press.
Details of the Upcoming Town Halls
CBS News has announced that several notable figures will participate in the town halls, including:
- JD Vance – Vice President
- Wes Moore – Governor of Maryland
- Sam Altman – CEO of OpenAI
The debates will tackle pressing societal questions, such as:
- “Does America Need God?”
- “Has Feminism Failed Women?”
- “Should Gen Z Believe in the American Dream?”
Debate Participants
Notable speakers joining the debates will include:
- Isabel Brown and Harry Sisson – American Dream discussion
- Steven Pinker and Ross Douthat – God discussion
- Liz Plank and Allie Beth Stuckey – Feminism discussion
Weiss’s Vision for Honest Conversations
Weiss emphasized the importance of fostering honest dialogue and civil discourse. “We believe that the vast majority of Americans crave honest conversation and civil, passionate debate,” she stated. Weiss aims to provide a platform where people can seek truth beyond social media narratives.
Launch Timeline and Sponsorship
The “Things That Matter” series is set to debut in 2026, although specific dates have yet to be announced. It has received sponsorship from Bank of America.
In addition to launching the new town halls, Vance and Moore will discuss the future of their respective political parties and share their perspectives on the current state of America. This follows a recent town hall, hosted by Weiss with Erika Kirk, which attracted an average viewership of 1.9 million on CBS.
It remains unclear whether Weiss will take on the hosting duties for the new series or if other CBS talent will assist her.
