Key Takeaways:
- Paramount chief David Ellison has asked CNN leader Mark Thompson to stay.
- The Warner Bros. Discovery deal is scheduled to close on October 6.
- Thompson wants strong guarantees to protect CNN’s independent newsroom.
David Ellison asks Mark Thompson to stay at CNN as executives prepare to complete the Warner Bros. Discovery deal.
David ellison asks mark Thompson to stay at CNN
David Ellison asks Mark Thompson to stay at CNN as the two discuss his future at the network. The talks are still at an early stage as the companies prepare for the change in ownership. Thompson has led CNN since 2023 and is overseeing efforts to update its digital business.
Keeping experienced leaders can help a company remain steady during major changes and mergers. Thompson recently told employees at an internal meeting that he is committed to CNN and would like to stay if Paramount wants him to continue. His current contract runs into next year as both sides discuss his future role and other terms.
Executives prepare to close Warner bros. Discovery deal
The multi-billion-dollar acquisition is scheduled to close on October 6 after recent regulatory approvals and legal agreements. A federal judge recently approved a settlement involving 12 state attorneys general who had challenged the deal. That decision removed major legal obstacles to the transaction.
Ellison and his team are working on the leadership structure for the combined company. Other changes include Casey Bloys taking charge of streaming, while Cindy Holland is leaving the company. Ynon Kreiz has also been selected to serve as co-CEO alongside Ellison.
The companies plan to keep their newsrooms separate at first during the transition. Ellison also does not plan to appoint one news executive to run both CNN and CBS News for now.
Mark Thompson seeks guarantees for editorial independence
Thompson is seeking strong guarantees that CNN journalists will be able to work independently. Protecting the newsroom from interference is a major issue for him as both sides discuss his future role.
Other media figures are also making plans as the ownership change approaches. CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is not expected to take part in running CNN after the deal closes. Tech reporter and on-air contributor Kara Swisher is also preparing to leave as the transition moves forward.
