Paramount Takeover Sparks Panic Among CNN Staffers

New owners plan a more politically centrist approach, but cost-cutting and leadership changes loom for the cable news giant.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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CNN staffers are in a state of panic after learning that their left-leaning network's owner, Warner Bros. Discovery, will be acquired by Paramount Skydance. Insiders say the new owners plan to take a more politically centrist approach to news, tapping Bari Weiss to help root out liberal bias. However, the likelihood of cost-cutting and leadership changes has CNN's top talent and producers deeply concerned about the network's future.

Why it matters

The acquisition of CNN by the Paramount Skydance media conglomerate, known for its more conservative leanings, represents a significant shift in the political landscape of cable news. This move raises questions about the network's editorial independence and its ability to maintain its reputation for objective journalism.

The details

Top CNN staffers, from anchors like Kaitlan Collins, Jake Tapper, and Anderson Cooper to producers and correspondents, are in a state of panic over the impending takeover. They fear that President Trump will have a direct line to the Ellisons, the new owners, and Bari Weiss, who has been tapped to help root out liberal bias at the network. Additionally, the debt incurred by the merger means the new owners will need to cut costs, potentially leading to the dismissal of top producers and anchors.

  • On February 27, 2026, CNN staffers learned that their network would be acquired by Paramount Skydance.
  • On the same day, CNN President Mark Thompson sent a memo to employees urging them not to jump to conclusions about the network's future.

The players

Mark Thompson

The president of CNN who sent a memo to employees to tamp down anxiety over the Paramount Skydance acquisition.

Bari Weiss

A 41-year-old newshound who was tapped by Paramount Skydance to help root out liberal bias at CBS, which the media conglomerate acquired last year.

David Ellison

The indie producer who runs Paramount Skydance, the media conglomerate that is acquiring CNN.

Larry Ellison

The co-founder of Oracle and a long-time supporter of former President Trump, who is financing the Paramount Skydance acquisition of CNN.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Mark Thompson, CNN President (The Post)

What’s next

The acquisition of CNN by Paramount Skydance still requires approval from the Department of Justice and other regulatory bodies. The new owners will also need to determine the leadership structure and cost-cutting measures for the combined CNN-CBS news division.

The takeaway

The Paramount Skydance takeover of CNN represents a significant shift in the political landscape of cable news, raising concerns about the network's editorial independence and ability to maintain its reputation for objective journalism. The likelihood of cost-cutting and leadership changes has CNN staffers deeply worried about the future of the network.