Preview of Upcoming Town Hall and Debate Series by CBS News and The Free Press

CBS News, in collaboration with The Free Press, is embarking on a new initiative aiming to rekindle genuine discussions about essential yet challenging topics.

Launching in early 2026, "Things That Matter" is a series sponsored by Bank of America. It will include town halls and debates spotlighting influential figures in politics, culture, and technology, conducted in various locations nationwide. The audience will comprise individuals with a vested interest in the subjects being discussed.

Among the distinguished guests are Vice President JD Vance, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman, and Maryland's Governor Wes Moore. The series will tackle a spectrum of subjects, including feminism and religion.

Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News and co-founder of The Free Press, emphasized the show's mission to cultivate honest dialogue. "In an era where facts are often distorted by social media, fostering genuine conversation is crucial," she noted.

Centered on pivotal issues like immigration, public health, foreign policy, artificial intelligence, and political dynamics, "Things That Matter" aims to highlight the enduring significance of America's founding ideals—constructive and civil discussions.

As part of commemorating America's 250th anniversary, Bank of America is proud to underwrite this series, fostering national conversation and debate.

Upcoming Highlights

Initial events will encompass town halls featuring prominent personalities and debates on wide-ranging topics.

This new venture follows CBS News' recent successful town hall, which significantly boosted viewership and sparked considerable engagement on digital platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.