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Paramount’s Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Leaves CNN in State of Uncertainty
News of Paramount’s apparent victory in the race to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery sent immediate ripples through CNN, prompting network chief Mark Thompson to urge staff to “keep calm and carry on” amid mounting speculation about the news organization’s future.
Thompson’s internal memo encouraged employees to avoid jumping to conclusions and to focus on their journalistic mission while the corporate transition unfolds. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav acknowledged during a company town hall that Paramount’s win over Netflix competitor “feels a little whiplashy” and indicated the deal would take approximately six months to finalize.
The potential acquisition has sparked concern throughout CNN, where staff await signals about potential editorial shifts, leadership changes, and the network’s overall direction under Paramount. Industry observers are closely watching for clues based on how Paramount has managed CBS News since acquiring that organization last summer.
The stakes are particularly high for CNN, which pioneered 24-hour cable news when Ted Turner launched the network 45 years ago. Though CNN was once the undisputed leader in cable news, it now trails both Fox News and MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) in domestic ratings, with those competitors appealing primarily to conservative and liberal audiences, respectively.
CNN has faced persistent criticism from former President Donald Trump, who has called the network a purveyor of “poison and lies” and suggested in December that “it’s imperative that CNN be sold.” Trump’s attacks have damaged CNN’s standing among conservative viewers, and his combative relationship with the network has included targeted criticism of every host in CNN’s primetime lineup.
The pending ownership change raises questions about potential political influence on CNN’s coverage. Paramount leader David Ellison and his billionaire father, Larry, both maintain connections to Trump. The younger Ellison was present in the gallery during the president’s recent State of the Union address, fueling speculation about how those relationships might affect CNN’s editorial direction.
Paramount’s handling of CBS News has provided some clues about potential management approaches. Shortly after taking control of CBS News, the company settled a lawsuit filed by Trump against “60 Minutes.” The president, who had avoided the program during his reelection campaign, subsequently appeared for an interview last fall and on the “CBS Evening News” in January.
Ellison installed a Republican official as a CBS ombudsman to monitor for bias, though this role has remained largely out of public view. He also appointed opinion journalist Bari Weiss as CBS News editor-in-chief, a move scrutinized for signals that the network might shift rightward, though Weiss has stated her intention to appeal to the political center.
Industry observers noted when Weiss ordered a “60 Minutes” story critical of Trump’s immigration deportation policies to include more administration comment. The story eventually aired a month later. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Ellison had assured Trump administration officials he would implement “sweeping changes” at CNN if he acquired the network.
Former CNN president Tom Johnson expressed concern about the network’s future editorial independence. “Since its founding by Ted Turner in 1980, CNN has provided news that viewers can trust,” Johnson said. “News that is accurate and fair. I truly hope the new CNN owner will maintain its journalistic independence and excellence. I am deeply worried that he will not.”
Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, who left the network after high-profile confrontations with Trump during his presidency, noted that many at the network had already been concerned about job security before the acquisition announcement. “Trump has cracked the code in how to hurt the media,” Acosta said. “This is bigger than just one company. This is deeply un-American.”
Despite concerns about Paramount’s influence, observers note that CBS News has continued to produce challenging coverage of the Trump administration, including investigative reports on “60 Minutes.” This suggests that sweeping assumptions about the potential impact on CNN’s coverage may be premature.
As the regulatory review process begins, CNN staff find themselves in a prolonged period of uncertainty, with the network’s storied history and journalistic mission hanging in the balance during a particularly volatile period in American media.
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18 Comments
The stakes are high for CNN, given its pioneering role in cable news. I’m curious to see how Paramount navigates the integration process and whether they can strike the right balance between maintaining the network’s editorial independence and implementing their own strategic vision.
Absolutely. Paramount will need to tread carefully to avoid disrupting CNN’s established reputation and brand. Transparency and open communication with staff will be essential during this transition.
While the potential Paramount acquisition of CNN’s parent company creates uncertainty, I hope the network’s leadership can provide clarity and reassurance to its staff. Preserving CNN’s journalistic mission and brand should be the top priority during this transition period.
While the uncertainty around CNN’s future is understandable, I hope the network’s leadership can provide clarity and reassurance to its staff during this transition period. Maintaining focus on quality journalism and preserving the network’s brand should be the top priorities.
Agreed. Paramount’s approach to managing CBS News will be an important indicator of how they might handle the integration of CNN. Maintaining editorial independence will be crucial for the network’s long-term success.
The uncertainty around CNN’s future under new ownership is understandable. However, I hope the network’s leadership can provide clarity and reassurance to its staff during this transition period. Maintaining focus on quality journalism should be the top priority.
I agree. CNN has built a strong brand over the decades, and it will be important for Paramount to respect that legacy while charting a sustainable path forward for the network.
While the potential acquisition of CNN’s parent company by Paramount creates uncertainty, I hope the network’s core mission and values will be preserved. Maintaining a strong, independent voice in journalism is crucial, especially in these divisive times.
I’m curious to see how Paramount’s management of CBS News might offer insights into their approach with CNN. The two networks have distinct identities, so Paramount will need to tailor its strategy accordingly. Transparency and open communication with CNN staff will be crucial.
Good observation. Paramount’s track record with CBS News will be closely watched as an indicator of how they might handle the integration of CNN. Maintaining editorial independence will be key.
The stakes are indeed high for CNN, given its pioneering role in cable news. I’m curious to see how Paramount navigates the transition and whether they can strike the right balance between maintaining the network’s journalistic integrity and implementing their own strategic vision.
Absolutely. Paramount will need to tread carefully to avoid disrupting CNN’s established brand and reputation. Transparency and open communication with staff will be essential during this process.
The acquisition of CNN’s parent company by Paramount is certainly a significant development in the media landscape. I’ll be closely following how Paramount handles the integration and whether they can maintain the network’s journalistic integrity and reputation.
Agreed. Paramount’s approach to managing CBS News will be an important indicator of how they might handle the integration of CNN. Maintaining editorial independence will be crucial for the network’s long-term success.
Interesting development with Paramount potentially acquiring CNN’s parent company. I wonder how this could impact the editorial direction and operations of the news network. It will be important to see how Paramount manages the transition and maintains CNN’s journalistic integrity.
You make a good point. The stakes are high given CNN’s pioneering role in cable news. Paramount will need to tread carefully to avoid disrupting the network’s mission and reputation.
It’s understandable that CNN staff are anxious about the potential acquisition by Paramount. The network’s editorial independence and commitment to quality journalism must be preserved, regardless of ownership changes. I hope Paramount recognizes the value of CNN’s legacy and acts accordingly.
The potential acquisition of CNN’s parent company by Paramount is certainly a significant development in the media landscape. I’ll be closely following how Paramount handles the integration and whether they can maintain the network’s journalistic integrity and independent voice.