CNN Staffers Brace for Potential Paramount Takeover

Insiders describe 'horrific' mood as network faces uncertain future under Trump ally David Ellison

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

CNN staffers are deeply concerned about the potential takeover of the network by Paramount CEO David Ellison, a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Insiders describe the mood inside CNN as 'horrific' as the company's leadership tries to calm fears among anxious employees about the prospect of sweeping changes under new ownership.

Why it matters

The potential Paramount acquisition of CNN raises concerns about the network's editorial independence and future direction, given Ellison's close ties to Trump and his past efforts to install conservative figures like Bari Weiss in leadership roles at CBS News. CNN has faced criticism for its anti-Trump programming in recent years, and staffers worry the network could undergo a significant shift in its news coverage and priorities under new ownership.

The details

According to insider accounts, CNN staffers feel a 'mix of despair, apprehension and curiosity' about the potential Paramount takeover. Many are concerned about potential job losses and changes to the network's editorial approach, especially given Ellison's relationship with Trump and the changes he has overseen at CBS News. Current CNN CEO Mark Thompson has tried to calm fears, but staffers remain worried about the prospect of a 'bloodbath' if CBS News and CNN were to merge under the new ownership.

  • On Thursday, Netflix dropped its bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, paving the way for Paramount's superior offer to acquire the company, including CNN.
  • Shortly after the news broke, CNN CEO Mark Thompson sent a memo to staffers announcing an internal town hall to discuss the next steps.

The players

David Ellison

The CEO of Paramount, who has a close relationship with former President Donald Trump and has angered liberals for installing Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News.

Mark Thompson

The current CEO of CNN, who has tried to calm fears among staffers about the potential Paramount takeover.

Bari Weiss

The editor-in-chief of CBS News, who was handpicked by Ellison and has told staffers they are 'not producing a product that enough people want.'

Jeff Zucker

The former CEO of CNN, whose tenure was marked by the network's partisan programming that current staffers are concerned could change under new ownership.

Chris Licht

The former CEO of CNN, who tried to tamp down the network's partisanship during his tenure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The mood is horrific. People are very upset.”

— CNN insider (Fox News Digital)

“Look, I think this is a place that has gone through a lot. A lot of mergers in the past decade. A lot of 'fresh' starts. I think there is an underlying fear of mixing two news divisions. Who is gonna get canned?”

— CNN insider (Fox News Digital)

“Despite all the speculation you've read during this process, I'd suggest that you don't jump to conclusions about the future until we know more. And secondly let's not forget our duty to our audience. We're still near the start of what is already an incredibly newsy year at home and abroad, one that will culminate with critical U.S. midterm elections and who knows what else. Let's continue to focus on delivering the best possible journalism to the millions of people who rely on us all around the world.”

— Mark Thompson, CEO, CNN (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The acquisition of CNN by Paramount is not expected to close until the end of 2026 or later, leaving time for the landscape to change before the deal is finalized. In the meantime, CNN staffers will continue to focus on their journalism and await further details on the potential changes under new ownership.

The takeaway

The potential Paramount takeover of CNN has created a climate of uncertainty and concern among the network's employees, who worry about the future of their jobs and the editorial direction of the news organization under the leadership of a Trump ally. The situation highlights the broader challenges facing the media industry as it navigates a rapidly changing landscape and the increasing politicization of news coverage.