Kara Swisher Vows to Leave CNN After Paramount-WBD Settlement

Podcaster and CNN contributor Kara Swisher announced her intention to leave CNN following the recent settlement between Paramount and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, which resolves Bonta's suit to block the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.

On Tuesday's episode of her podcast "Pivot," Swisher stated her plans to "ditch CNN ASAP" and declared, "F–k these guys! I don’t want to work for them."

The settlement, reached the day prior, allows the merger to proceed with Paramount agreeing to a minimum number of annual film releases, among other concessions. Swisher, who had previously vowed to exit CNN if the merger went through, criticized Paramount CEO David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, describing them as "incompetent" and "terrible media owners."

"I thought like I was trying to figure out ways I could work with them in some like licensing way. But then I thought, f–k these guys! I don’t want to work for them," Swisher said.

Her co-host, Scott Galloway, speculated that CNN might be eager to release Swisher from her contract. "I think there’s a decent likelihood that when you show up to whoever it is you show up to at CNN and say, I want out of my contract, they jump up and say, ‘Congratulations, no problem,’" Galloway remarked.

Fears of significant layoffs are reportedly growing within CNN as the merger nears completion. One TV executive described the situation as a "bloodbath coming, including at CNN," with expectations of "slashing and burning."

Staffers with left-leaning viewpoints at the cable news network are also reportedly concerned about the potential role of Bari Weiss, CBS News Editor-in-Chief, who has been implementing changes under an Ellison mandate aimed at balancing the outlet. The extent of her influence at CNN remains uncertain.

Galloway also criticized the lawsuit filed by Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general, calling it "sheer regulatory theater" and "total weak sauce." He argued that the settlement, which essentially requires Paramount to produce more films, is a capitulation to populist sentiment without a strong legal basis.

Swisher, known for her critical commentary on prominent figures in tech and media, reiterated her negative assessment of the Ellisons' stewardship of media properties, though she expressed high regard for current CNN executives.