Don Lemon Calls for Paramount to 'Take Your Hands Off' CBS and CNN Newsrooms

The journalist spoke out against Paramount's pending control over his former employer CNN and recent changes at CBS News.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In an interview at the GLAAD Media Awards, former CNN anchor Don Lemon criticized Paramount's pending acquisition of Warner Bros., which includes CNN, as well as recent changes at CBS News. Lemon warned that Paramount appears to be trying to move these news organizations in a certain political direction, which he said is not what journalism is about. He urged Paramount to "let the journalists be the journalists" and not interfere with the newsrooms.

Why it matters

Lemon's comments highlight growing concerns about the influence of corporate ownership on the independence and integrity of news organizations. As media consolidation continues, there are fears that profit motives and political agendas could compromise the ability of journalists to report the truth objectively.

The details

Paramount Global recently received approval from the FCC to merge with Skydance Media, which includes the CBS broadcast network. This has led to the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and the appointment of Bari Weiss as CBS News' editor-in-chief, drawing criticism. Paramount is also in the process of acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, which would give them control over Lemon's former employer, CNN. Lemon warned that these moves appear to be attempts to steer the news organizations in a more politically-aligned direction, which he said is antithetical to journalism's role of reporting the truth.

  • In July 2025, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved a merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
  • Also in July 2025, Paramount paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump.

The players

Don Lemon

A former CNN anchor who is now an independent journalist. Lemon is known for his outspoken views on journalism and politics.

Paramount Global

A major media conglomerate that is in the process of acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes CNN.

CBS News

A major U.S. television news organization that has faced criticism for recent changes under Paramount's ownership, including the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief.

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What they’re saying

“It appears that [Paramount is] trying to take an organization, especially CBS News, that's built on journalism and move it in a certain direction politically, and that's not what journalism is about.”

— Don Lemon, Former CNN Anchor (USA TODAY)

“My advice to them would be: let the journalists be the journalists. Take your hands off the newsroom.”

— Don Lemon, Former CNN Anchor (USA TODAY)

“The journalists will save our democracy. It's not going to be money, it's not going to be moving people to the right politically. That's not going to help anything; that's only going to make America worse.”

— Don Lemon, Former CNN Anchor (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The FCC will continue to review Paramount's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which would give the company control over CNN. Journalists and media watchdogs will likely continue to closely monitor the impact of corporate consolidation on the independence and integrity of news organizations.

The takeaway

Don Lemon's strong words highlight the growing concerns about the influence of corporate ownership on news media. As media consolidation continues, there are fears that profit motives and political agendas could compromise the ability of journalists to report the truth objectively and serve their role as the Fourth Estate in a healthy democracy.