CNN staffers are experiencing persistent anxiety regarding the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by David Ellison's Paramount, viewing the merger as "inevitable" even as legal challenges have introduced delays. A temporary restraining order, granted by a federal judge, has blocked the deal from closing until at least August 17, and Paramount has agreed to postpone the transaction until next year to allow the antitrust lawsuit to proceed.
Despite the pause, the atmosphere at CNN remains grim, with one insider telling Fox News Digital that the current situation is "grim, so people see it as a matter of bad or worse." This sentiment stems from a history of leadership changes and ongoing speculation about the network's future under new ownership. Many employees desire certainty, with a longtime employee stating, "I think most people just want whatever done, done." The individual added, "I've been through multiple CEOs. I've seen very little change based on who is at the very top."
Leadership Changes and Uncertainties
The network has seen a rapid succession of leaders in recent years. After Jeff Zucker reshaped CNN to be adversarial to former President Donald Trump, Chris Licht took over. Licht's tenure was marked by attempts to move away from perceived left-leaning programming, but he struggled to gain the trust of the staff, who were loyal to Zucker. A highly criticized town hall with Trump and an unflattering profile in The Atlantic contributed to Licht's eventual dismissal.
Mark Thompson, who previously led The New York Times and the BBC, succeeded Licht. While Thompson has not generated the same level of internal conflict, sagging ratings, strategic confusion, and constant takeover rumors have fueled ongoing apprehension. The future of Thompson himself at the network remains uncertain, particularly with reports that he insisted on not sharing oversight of CNN with another executive, a potential issue given reports that Bari Weiss, Ellison's selected editor-in-chief of CBS News, might take on an oversight role at CNN post-merger.
Concerns Over Editorial Direction
If the merger proceeds, Ellison would oversee both CBS News and CNN. This potential consolidation raises concerns among CNN staff, particularly regarding editorial independence. Weiss, under Ellison's prior acquisition of CBS News, has faced criticism for changes perceived as reducing partisan coverage. Critics have accused Weiss and Ellison of attempting to curry favor with the Trump administration, a fear now extended to CNN's future.
The New York Times reported that Ellison's team is considering placing Weiss in charge of CNN, potentially alongside a more experienced television executive. This prospect has been met with strong reservations from some CNN personalities. Veteran anchor Anderson Cooper has reportedly told colleagues he does not wish to work under Weiss, and CNN contributor Kara Swisher has stated she would leave the company if Ellison's appointees took control. CNN international correspondent Clarissa Ward reportedly passed on a long-term contract, opting for a one-year extension to assess the post-merger landscape and Weiss's potential editorial role.
Paramount maintains that the merger is lawful and beneficial, stating, "This merger is lawful, pro-competitive, and will benefit consumers, creators, workers, and the entertainment industry. We will continue to vigorously defend the transaction and will look forward to the hearings on the substance of the State AGs’ action." CNN declined to comment on specific questions regarding potential staff reactions to incoming leadership.