Paramount Pictures chief David Ellison is reportedly in preliminary discussions with CNN President and CEO Mark Thompson about the latter remaining at the news network after the pending Warner Bros Discovery transaction closes. The move, outlined in a Wall Street Journal report, is intended to address lingering uncertainty about the network’s direction under new ownership.
Leadership talks in early stages
Sources familiar with the matter say the conversations between Ellison and Thompson are still in their infancy. Thompson, who was appointed to lead CNN in 2023, has overseen a series of operational integrations that combine the channel’s linear broadcast with its digital platforms. Under his guidance, CNN launched the All Access subscription and a dedicated streaming service, expanding the brand’s digital footprint.
Before joining CNN, Thompson served as president and chief executive officer of The New York Times Company from 2012 to 2020. He also spent eight years as director‑general of the British Broadcasting Corporation, bringing a breadth of experience in both American and international media management.
Network performance and financial outlook
During Thompson’s tenure, CNN continued its aggressive coverage of the Trump administration. The network filed a lawsuit against the former president after he barred CNN and two other outlets from White House premises, and it defended its journalists—including chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins—against attacks from the administration.
A financial filing released earlier this year projected CNN to generate $1.8 billion in revenue for the 2026 fiscal year, with an expected profit of $600 million. Longer‑term estimates place 2030 revenue at $2.2 billion and profit at $700 million, suggesting a solid growth trajectory that could influence ownership decisions.
Potential staffing shifts and sister‑network dynamics
The Wall Street Journal also noted that Bari Weiss, editor in chief of CBS News, is not anticipated to assume a role at CNN after the deal. Nonetheless, speculation persists among current and former CNN staff that Weiss might be given additional responsibilities, given that CBS News and CNN will become sister networks under the new corporate structure.
Ellison’s expressed desire to keep Thompson at the helm reflects a broader strategy to provide continuity as the network transitions to Warner Bros Discovery ownership. Maintaining the existing leadership could help preserve the editorial direction and revenue growth plans already set in motion.
While no final agreement has been reached, the early‑stage talks signal an effort by Paramount’s leadership to mitigate disruption and reassure advertisers, investors, and viewers about CNN’s future stability.
Mitchell Landsberg is a Senior Technology Correspondent at News Raise. He covers consumer electronics, artificial intelligence, software developments, and digital privacy trends.
