CNN Chief Urges Calm After Paramount's Expected Purchase of Parent Company

Network president tells staff not to 'jump to conclusions' about the future as Paramount nears deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Shortly after it became known that Paramount was the apparent victor in the competition to buy CNN's parent company, network president Mark Thompson wrote to staff members urging them to remain calm and focused on delivering journalism, despite the uncertainty surrounding the network's future under new ownership.

Why it matters

The pending acquisition of CNN's parent company by Paramount has sparked anxiety among network staff about potential changes to editorial direction, personnel, and the overall future of the news outlet. As one of the pioneering 24-hour cable news channels, CNN's fate under new ownership will be closely watched, especially given the critical stance taken by former President Trump towards the network.

The details

Thompson's internal memo told employees not to 'jump to conclusions' about the network's future until more details are known about Paramount's plans. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav acknowledged the 'whiplashy' feeling among staff, predicting the deal would take six months to close. Paramount leader David Ellison has not commented on his vision for CNN, but his ties to former President Trump have raised concerns among critics about potential changes to the network's editorial independence and direction.

  • On Friday, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav discussed the pending sale in a company town hall.
  • In December, President Trump said 'it's imperative that CNN be sold.'

The players

Mark Thompson

President of CNN, who sent an internal memo to staff urging calm amid the uncertainty over Paramount's expected purchase of the network's parent company.

David Zaslav

CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, the current parent company of CNN, who acknowledged the 'whiplashy' feeling among staff regarding the pending sale.

David Ellison

Leader of Paramount, the company expected to acquire CNN's parent company, who has ties to former President Trump that have raised concerns about the network's future editorial independence.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President who has been highly critical of CNN, calling for the network to be sold and describing it as a 'disgrace.'

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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 until we know more.”

— Mark Thompson, President of CNN (Internal memo)

“I think the people who have run CNN for the last long period of time are a disgrace. I think it's imperative that CNN be sold.”

— Donald Trump (Social media)

What’s next

The deal between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to take approximately six months to close, during which time the future of CNN under new ownership will remain uncertain.

The takeaway

This pending acquisition of CNN's parent company by Paramount has raised significant concerns about the network's editorial independence and future direction, especially given the new owner's ties to former President Trump, who has been a vocal critic of CNN. The network's staff and viewers will be closely watching for any signs of changes to CNN's journalism and mission under the new ownership.