CNN now has a new owner. What will the future of the network be under Skydance?

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Skydance Closes $110B Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery

   Skydance has completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, establishing control over CNN and keeping Mark Thompson in place as the network's chief executive. During a town hall meeting with anchor Anderson Cooper, David Ellison addressed questions regarding editorial independence and pledged that new ownership will not interfere in news coverage. Ellison also expressed backing for CNN's ongoing lawsuit involving Donald Trump. While the leadership transition retains current management, the merger has sparked internal anxieties among staff members concerning potential corporate restructuring and future consolidation across the news division.

   Why it matters

   The transaction places CNN under the corporate umbrella of Skydance following a massive $110 billion merger involving Warner Bros. Discovery. Staff members inside the newsroom expressed early worries regarding job reductions and editorial pressures tied to political figures. Leadership has attempted to calm those fears by promising non-interference in journalistic operations.

   What is confirmed

   • Paramount Skydance completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
   • Mark Thompson will remain chief executive at CNN.
   • David Ellison pledged editorial independence and stated ownership will never interfere during a town hall with Anderson Cooper.
   • David Ellison backed CNN's Trump lawsuit.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Job cuts and consolidation pressures loom over CNN following the merger with Skydance.

   What to watch next

   • Further announcements regarding the Skydance leadership team structure.
   • Developments concerning CNN's lawsuit involving Donald Trump.
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. www.cnn.com — Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN
   2. www.cnn.com — US - CNN
   3. The New York Times — David Ellison’s Vision for CNN: Same C.E.O and No Bari Weiss, for Now.
   4. Reuters — Ellison retains Thompson as CNN chief, unveils Skydance leadership team
   5. nytimes.com — CNN C.E.O. Mark Thompson Says He Will Stay On Under New Owner Skydance
   6. The Guardian — Mark Thompson will remain chief executive at CNN after Paramount sale
   7. AJC.com — At long last: Skydance deal closes, beginning new era for CNN, TNT
   8. ADWEEK — CNN’s Mark Thompson and CBS News’ Bari Weiss Named to Skydance Leadership Team
   9. AP News — CNN now has a new owner. What will the future of the network be under Skydance?
   10. CNN — David Ellison backs CNN’s Trump lawsuit, pledges editorial independence
   11. Poynter — Opinion | CNN gets a best-case scenario under its new owners
   12. Business Insider — CNN boss Mark Thompson is staying on in the David Ellison era. Read his memo to staffers.
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