The media world is buzzing! Paramount appears to have won the fierce competition to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, a massive deal that includes the legendary news network, CNN. This news immediately sparked anxiety among CNN staff, leading chief Mark Thompson to issue a “keep calm and carry on” memo.
But for many, keeping calm is easier said than done. This acquisition, expected to finalize in about six months, brings a cloud of uncertainty. Will beloved anchors stay? Will CNN’s editorial compass swing in a new direction? Media watchers are scrutinizing Paramount’s past management of CBS News for hints.
When Paramount took over CBS News, significant shifts occurred. A Republican ombudsman was appointed, and opinion journalist Bari Weiss (founder of The Free Press) was installed as editor-in-chief, with her moves closely watched for signs of a conservative lean. Former President Donald Trump, a vocal and consistent critic of CNN, has also sat for interviews on CBS News following a lawsuit settlement and shares ties with the Ellison family behind Paramount.
CNN, a trailblazer in 24-hour cable news since Ted Turner founded it 45 years ago, has faced its share of challenges, including Trump’s criticisms that arguably damaged its brand. Former CNN president Tom Johnson expressed “deep worry” about the network’s future, earnestly hoping its journalistic independence and excellence will endure under new ownership.
In an already volatile media environment, this potential takeover is nothing short of seismic. The eyes of the industry, and the nation, are now fixed on what comes next for CNN – a network whose legacy is built on delivering trusted news.
