Exclusive | David Ellison Asks CNN CEO to Stay After Paramount-Warner Deal Closes

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Paramount CEO David Ellison Asks CNN Chief Mark Thompson to Remain in Post

   Paramount CEO David Ellison has asked CNN CEO Mark Thompson to stay in his role following the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. While Bloomberg reports Thompson will keep his job, Variety notes the two are in early stages of discussions. Thompson is reportedly seeking assurances regarding editorial autonomy. Additionally, Ellison does not plan to merge CNN and CBS News under a single leader, and CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss is not expected to hold a role at CNN after the deal closes.

   Why it matters

   The move comes as Skydance and Paramount finalize a merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. This shake-up reorganizes major cable news and entertainment assets under David Ellison's leadership. The decision on Thompson's tenure affects the stability of CNN's executive leadership during the transition.

   What is confirmed

   • Paramount CEO David Ellison asked CNN CEO Mark Thompson to stay in his position after the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
   • Mark Thompson is the current CEO of CNN.
   • David Ellison is the CEO of Paramount.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Mark Thompson is seeking assurances of editorial autonomy.
   • Bari Weiss will not have a role at CNN after the deal closes.
   • Ellison has no plans to merge CNN and CBS News under one leader.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of a finalized agreement between Ellison and Thompson
   • Official announcement regarding the leadership structure of CBS News and CNN
   • Details on the editorial autonomy agreements for CNN
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. www.footyheadlines.com — EXCLUSIVE: Lionel Messi Considers to Retire After 2026
   2. WSJ — Exclusive | David Ellison Asks CNN CEO to Stay After Paramount-Warner Deal Closes
   3. Variety — Paramount, CNN Chief Mark Thompson in ‘Early Stages’ of Discussions to Keep Him in Post
   4. The Daily Beast — MAGA-Curious CBS Boss Suffers Humiliating Final Blow in Media Shake-Up
   5. New York Post — Bari Weiss’ role at CNN revealed after David Ellison makes Mark Thompson decision
   6. Bloomberg.com — CNN’s Mark Thompson to Keep Job After Paramount Merger
   7. Reuters — Paramount CEO Ellison asks CNN chief Thompson to stay after Warner Bros deal, source says
   8. www.yahoo.com — David Ellison Asks CNN CEO Mark Thompson to Stay After Paramount Acquisition
   9. www.marketscreener.com — Paramount CEO Ellison asks CNN chief Thompson to stay after Warner Bros deal, source says | MarketScreene....
   10. deadline.com — David Ellison Wants Mark Thompson To Remain At CNN After Merger Deal Closes
   11. www.mediaite.com — David Ellison Asks Mark Thompson to Stay as CNN Chief: WSJ
   12. www.semafor.com — Mattel’s Kreiz to join Warner Bros.-Paramount | Semafor
   confidence 90%