Paramount’s recent takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery has left many wondering what this means for CNN and its editorial independence. CEO David Ellison has praised CNN’s newsgathering machine and global reach, but concerns remain about whether he will uphold the network’s independence amid severe political turbulence.
President Donald Trump has long sought to weaken CNN, and his views on the recent bidding war have raised eyebrows. The fact that Ellison’s father, Larry, is a close ally of the president has also sparked worries about the potential for bias in CNN’s coverage. Journalists are concerned about the impact of Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds on CNN’s coverage of the region.
Ellison has expressed commitment to sustaining the news business and balancing fact-based reporting, but some critics question his leadership style and managerial abilities. The recent hiring of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News has raised eyebrows, particularly after controversies surrounding her past statements.
Paramount executives claim to be focused on building “one newsroom with one mission” – delivering exceptional journalism to the broadest possible audience. However, the possibility of merging CNN and CBS News may be complicated by unionization issues between the two workforces.
As Paramount continues to navigate its new ownership, viewers and journalists will be watching closely for any signs of bias or changes to CNN’s editorial direction.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/27/media/cnn-paramount-ellison-bari-weiss-wbd-merger