The delay of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, which would place CNN under the control of David Ellison, has not soothed tensions at the troubled network. A CNN insider indicated that many view the merger as inevitable, and the postponement has done little to boost morale. “No change in morale,” the insider stated. “The current situation is grim, so it’s seen as a matter of bad or worse.”
Paramount’s Ambition
Ellison’s Paramount aims to build a vast media empire by acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion. The European Union and the U.S. Justice Department have approved the deal, but an antitrust suit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta remains a hurdle. A federal judge granted a Temporary Restraining Order, halting the merger until at least August 17. Paramount agreed to delay the merger until the lawsuit is resolved.
If finalized, David Ellison would oversee CBS News and CNN. Concerns about the network’s direction under Ellison and job security have surfaced among staff. A second CNN insider and longtime employee expressed frustration over ongoing speculation. “I think most people just want something to happen,” they said. “I’ve experienced multiple CEOs, with little change based on leadership.”
Leadership Changes and Challenges
Since 2013, CNN has undergone several leadership changes. Former CEO Jeff Zucker shaped a more adversarial stance toward President Donald Trump during his first term. After Zucker’s departure due to an undisclosed workplace romance, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav appointed Chris Licht as his successor. Licht aimed to reduce left-leaning programming but struggled to gain trust from a workforce loyal to Zucker’s vision.
Tensions escalated in 2023 when Licht invited Trump to a CNN town hall. The decision angered staff and liberal viewers, prompting criticism from within. An unflattering profile in The Atlantic added to the unrest. Eventually, Zaslav fired Licht, replacing him with Mark Thompson, known for effective leadership at The New York Times and the BBC. Thompson’s future remains uncertain amid the Paramount takeover.
Uncertainty at CNN
Thompson has not triggered internal strife like Licht. However, ongoing takeover rumors and sagging ratings continue to create apprehension. Another concern involves Bari Weiss, Ellison’s chosen editor-in-chief for CBS News, potentially taking a role at CNN. Thompson reportedly insists on not sharing oversight with another executive.
Sales of CNN anchors and staff, such as Clarissa Ward, are considering short-term contracts to gauge changes post-merger. Many staffers are apprehensive about Weiss leading CNN. Weiss’s past actions at CBS News ignited liberal outrage, mirroring Licht’s challenges. If the merger moves forward, Ellison could rely on Weiss to implement changes Licht failed to achieve.
Paramount maintains the state AG antitrust claims lack merit, asserting the merger benefits consumers, creators, workers, and the entertainment industry. The company pledges to defend the transaction firmly.
Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Fox News Digital.