Mark Thompson to Remain CNN CEO Amidst Ellison's Takeover, Bari Weiss's Future Unclear
Incoming owner David Ellison is reportedly seeking to retain Mark Thompson as CNN chief for at least one year, while Bari Weiss's long-term role remains a subject of discussion.
Mark Thompson is expected to continue as CNN's chief executive and editor in chief in the short term, as incoming owner David Ellison aims to stabilize the cable network during its acquisition from Warner Bros. Discovery. However, the potential for Bari Weiss to eventually assume a leadership role at CNN persists.
Ellison is reportedly negotiating to keep Thompson in place for at least the next year, according to The New York Times. This arrangement follows earlier reports that Weiss had been promised CNN leadership when she took over CBS News. However, David Ellison has since indicated that Weiss's current role may be more than she can manage, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Despite the immediate focus on Thompson, Weiss remains favored by the Ellison family. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, David's father, is said to still support Weiss and wishes for her to remain within the company. There is also speculation that Paramount could eventually appoint a single executive to oversee both CNN and CBS News.
For now, Weiss is expected to concentrate on her duties at CBS News, with no editorial or operational oversight of CNN anticipated when the acquisition is finalized. However, sources suggest that this arrangement may not reflect Ellison's ultimate vision for his news properties. The Times reported that Weiss's role could change in the future, leaving open the possibility of her taking on responsibilities at CNN.
Weiss has not been definitively ruled out for a CNN role, even after the turmoil surrounding her restructuring of CBS News and "60 Minutes." Reports indicate that David Ellison had previously considered giving Weiss editorial control of CNN but became less inclined after the recent changes.
Negotiations for Thompson's contract extension are ongoing, as his current agreement expires in the spring. A key priority for Thompson in these discussions is preserving his editorial authority. He recently met with David Ellison at Paramount to discuss the terms.
The prospect of Thompson remaining at CNN has brought a sense of relief to the network's staff, who have faced months of uncertainty regarding leadership under the new ownership. Sources within CNN described the mood as joyful upon hearing the news.
Weiss has overseen significant changes at CBS News, particularly at "60 Minutes," which have faced criticism and editorial disputes. Some reports have also indicated that CNN anchor Anderson Cooper had expressed to colleagues his reluctance to work under Weiss.
The Post has reached out to CNN, CBS News, and Paramount for comment.