CNN staffers 'shaken' by Paramount's potential takeover

Employees fear changes under Ellison family's control of news organizations

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

CNN employees have reacted with alarm and concern after Netflix pulled out of the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, effectively clearing the way for a takeover of the 24/7 cable channel by Paramount Skydance. Some staffers described the mood inside the company as 'shaken' and 'depressing,' fearing the prospect of working under the Ellison family's control of both CNN and CBS News.

Why it matters

The potential Paramount takeover raises concerns about the independence and credibility of CNN's news coverage, as the Ellison family's close ties to former President Trump could undermine public trust in the network's journalism. Experts warn this could further erode faith in traditional media institutions.

The details

Paramount's offer for the entire WBD company, including CNN, still needs to be approved by regulators. Some CNN staffers hoped Netflix would win the bidding war instead. There are worries about potential deep cuts to the CNN newsroom under Paramount ownership, as well as the influence of new CBS News head Bari Weiss. The Ellison family's collective control of both CNN and CBS News is the root cause of concern among employees.

  • On February 27, 2026, Netflix announced it would not try to match Paramount's bid for WBD.
  • On the same day, CNN CEO Mark Thompson sent a memo to the newsroom addressing the speculation.

The players

David Ellison

The CEO of Paramount Skydance and son of Oracle technology mogul Larry Ellison, a close ally of former President Donald Trump.

Bari Weiss

The new editor-in-chief of CBS News, hired by David Ellison to 'invigorate' the network's news division.

Mark Thompson

The CEO of CNN, who sent a memo to the newsroom addressing the speculation around the Paramount takeover.

J. Christopher Hamilton

An entertainment attorney and professor at Syracuse University who warned about the potential impact of the Paramount takeover on credible news coverage.

Reilly Steel

An associate professor at Columbia Law School who discussed the Trump administration's involvement in individual enforcement decisions against the media.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If [journalists] step away from these institutions because of how uncomfortable or how unwieldy this gets, then we have no hope. Stay the course. Be the one reasonable person in the room — even if you're just the only one.”

— J. Christopher Hamilton, Entertainment attorney and professor at Syracuse University (NBC News)

“As I've been warning, America now has state-compromised media. When 60 Min or CNN is in trouble, we're all in trouble. Trump has cracked the code in how to hurt the press. Free speech is now at risk. MAGA corporations must not control the news. Support independent media.”

— Jim Acosta, Former CNN White House correspondent (X)

What’s next

The Paramount-WBD deal still needs to be approved by the Justice Department and regulators. Democratic politicians and California's attorney general have said they will also be closely examining the proposed merger.

The takeaway

The potential Paramount takeover of CNN raises serious concerns about the independence and credibility of the network's news coverage, as the Ellison family's close ties to former President Trump could undermine public trust in the media. This development highlights the broader challenges facing traditional news organizations in the face of growing competition, economic disruptions, and political pressures.