CNN employees concerned about impact of Paramount acquisition on newsroom

CNN employees were caught off guard when Netflix decided to step back from the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially paving the way for Paramount Skydance to take over the cable network. This has left staffers at CNN anxious and concerned about what this potential takeover could mean for the newsroom. It’s a time of uncertainty for many at the company, with some describing the atmosphere as “shaken” and “depressing.”

While Paramount’s offer has been officially agreed upon by WBD’s board, it still needs approval from the Justice Department regulators. There are also eyes on the deal from Democratic politicians and California’s attorney general. If the deal does go through, David Ellison, son of Oracle technology mogul Larry Ellison and a supporter of President Donald Trump, could control both CNN and CBS News, home of “60 Minutes.”

The possibility of Ellison and CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss taking the helm has left many CNN employees feeling unsettled. Some fear that working under the Ellisons could lead to an exodus of staff. A CNN spokesperson refrained from commenting further but directed employees to a memo from CNN CEO Mark Thompson, urging them not to jump to conclusions and to remain focused on delivering quality journalism.

As the situation unfolds, many within the company are watching closely to see what the future holds. CBS News, under Weiss’s leadership, has faced scrutiny for various decisions, raising questions about how a potential Paramount takeover could impact both networks. The bid would encompass Warner Bros. Discovery’s entire entity, including CNN and its streaming and cable platforms.

Employees within CNN have expressed their hopes that Netflix would have emerged as the winner in the bidding war. Concerns remain about the possibility of significant cuts in the newsroom under Paramount’s ownership. The anxieties have led many employees to speak anonymously about the inner workings of the company to share their candid views.

While the future remains uncertain, experts have also expressed their worries about the potential impact of the Ellisons’ collective control over two major news organizations. There are concerns about the credibility of news coverage and the implications for free speech in the current political landscape. Despite these challenges, there is a call for journalists to remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering reliable and accurate news to the public.

As employees navigate this period of change, it’s essential to stay informed and engaged with the evolving situation. The hope is that through dedication to quality journalism, CNN and other news organizations can weather these uncertainties and continue to serve their audience effectively.