CNN staffers have reacted with a mix of skepticism and apprehension to the potential creation of an editorial board, a proposal reportedly being considered by Paramount CEO David Ellison, who is poised to oversee the network following the proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The board is intended to address concerns regarding the independence of CNN's news operations.
Paramount has indicated a willingness to consider internal improvements to journalistic integrity. However, the idea of an editorial board has been met with varied responses among CNN employees. One staffer suggested that editorial independence is always beneficial and that the primary desire is for the current uncertainty surrounding the merger to end. "I think we'd be fine with one," the staffer commented. "I mean editorial independence is always a good idea, however it is achieved... My colleagues just want the uncertainty gone."
Another CNN staffer expressed doubt about the seriousness of the proposal, describing it as "useless at best, paralyzing at worst." This individual speculated that the idea might be a temporary measure to gauge reactions. "I don’t even think it’s serious," the staffer told Fox News Digital. "I think it’s just a daily throw something at the wall to see if it’s enough."
A senior CNN correspondent voiced a lack of confidence in the network maintaining its independence, citing the relationship between the Ellison family and President Donald Trump. Larry Ellison, father of David Ellison and founder of Oracle, is a significant financial supporter of the deal and a close Trump ally. "As of now, it's impossible to have confidence when the White House and President Trump himself refer to the Ellisons as friends and says he's looking forward to a change in leadership," the correspondent stated.
This correspondent also suggested that David Ellison's public statements may be strategic to facilitate the merger's completion. The delay in the merger process had provided a temporary reprieve, easing the freeze on hiring and future planning at CNN. "It felt at CNN as though everything was frozen — from hiring to talking about the future when the deal was imminent. Now, it feels slightly more normal."
CNN CEO Mark Thompson, whose future role remains uncertain, had previously explored the concept of an independent board to safeguard CNN's editorial autonomy, similar to structures in place for some British news organizations. Paramount has stated that CNN would maintain editorial independence post-merger.
The proposed merger faces an antitrust lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, with trial scheduled for March. While Bonta's office has denied seeking the sale of CNN as a condition for approving the deal in California, the notion of an editorial board was reportedly under discussion before the lawsuit was filed.
Paramount is seeking to finalize the $111 billion merger, which would combine major entertainment assets including CBS and CNN. Critics of the proposed deal have raised concerns about potential industry consolidation, job losses, and the impact on CNN's journalistic standards, particularly in light of the Ellison-Trump relationship. Liberal critics have specifically voiced worries that CNN's coverage might shift to a pro-Trump stance under new ownership.