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CBS Editor-In-Chief Honors Peter Thiel at Berlin Award Ceremony

CBS News editor-in-chief praised Peter Thiel's influence at a Berlin award event.

New York Editorial News Desk September 24, 2026 1 min read

The Brief

  • Bari Weiss presented Peter Thiel with the Axel Springer 2036 award in Berlin.
  • Weiss praised Thiel as embodying the 'quintessential American spirit.'
  • Thiel is a German-born U.S. citizen and funded a $140 million lawsuit against Gawker.

Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, presented Peter Thiel with the Axel Springer 2026 award in Berlin. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly shaped digital transformation.

Weiss described Thiel as embodying the 'quintessential American spirit,' citing his 'heretical, driven, audacious, pioneering, innovative, entrepreneurial, original, eccentric, and above all, ferociously independent' qualities.

Thiel, a German-born U.S. citizen, is known for funding a $140 million lawsuit against Gawker, which led to the company's bankruptcy. Axel Springer, the company behind the award, owns several U.S. media outlets including POLITICO, Business Insider, and Morning Brew.

Weiss acknowledged having 'disagreements' with Thiel over freedom of the press, stating she views it as an 'instrument of liberty and an engine of progress.' She claimed the award was a victory for her perspective.

Weiss began her speech with a joke about the 'Antichrist,' referencing a secret meeting, which left the audience in silence. The event was shared by Guardian reporter Jeremy Barr on X.

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