Paramount CEO Ellison Seeks to Retain CNN's Mark Thompson, Excludes Bari Weiss
David Ellison aims for continuity at CNN under Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition, with Thompson's future as CEO under discussion.
Paramount CEO David Ellison intends for Mark Thompson to continue as CEO of CNN following the completion of the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. However, Bari Weiss is not expected to assume a role at the cable news network, according to a report.
Negotiations regarding Thompson's future and a potential new contract have been ongoing in recent weeks, though no agreement has been finalized, The Wall Street Journal reported. Thompson's current contract is set to expire in early next year.
Sources close to Thompson indicate that he is seeking assurances of continued editorial control over CNN's journalism under new ownership. Ellison's team is also assessing how CNN will integrate with CBS News, which Weiss currently leads as editor-in-chief. Reports suggest that Weiss is not anticipated to take on CNN responsibilities immediately after the transaction concludes.
Representatives from CNN, CBS News, and Paramount have been contacted for comment.