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Skydance merger closes as Ellison pledges CNN independence amid White House access lawsuit
media2 days ago

Skydance merger closes as Ellison pledges CNN independence amid White House access lawsuit

The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery officially closed on October 6, 2026, forming the new entity Skydance. David Ellison, the new CEO, pledged to maintain editorial independence for CNN and CBS News. He publicly supported CNN’s First Amendment lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding White House access. Mark Thompson remains as CNN’s chairman and editor-in-chief, while Bari Weiss continues to lead CBS News. The combined company aims to compete with tech giants through a unified streaming platform, though concerns about political influence persist due to Ellison’s ties to President Trump.

Skydance’s New Editorial Board Faces Scrutiny Over Paramount Control
media-and-politics2 days ago

Skydance’s New Editorial Board Faces Scrutiny Over Paramount Control

Skydance has established a new editorial board to oversee CNN and CBS News, but critics argue its structure undermines true independence. While the board includes experienced journalists, all members are appointed by and report to the combined company’s board, which is chaired by David Ellison. This governance model has drawn sharp criticism from media scholars and some state attorneys general, who fear it will limit the board’s ability to protect journalistic integrity against corporate or political pressure.

Thompson to Lead CNN as Paramount Skydance Merger Closes
media-and-business3 days ago

Thompson to Lead CNN as Paramount Skydance Merger Closes

Mark Thompson will retain his role as chairman and CEO of CNN after Paramount Skydance completes its acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery on Tuesday. Thompson confirmed in a memo that he will serve as an independent editor-in-chief, assuring staff that Paramount leadership supports editorial independence. The decision alleviates fears that CNN would be merged with CBS News or led by Bari Weiss, though significant cost-cutting and integration challenges remain for the combined entity.

Maher tells CNN Trump is tired of sycophants and open to dialogue
politics3 days ago

Maher tells CNN Trump is tired of sycophants and open to dialogue

Bill Maher told CNN's Fareed Zakaria that President Donald Trump is likely frustrated by the sycophants surrounding him and remains open to direct dialogue. Maher stated he would accept a dinner invitation from the president despite ongoing insults and a blocked Mark Twain Prize, arguing that Trump's views are malleable and influenced by conversation rather than briefing books. The comedian noted that the press has not capitulated to pressure, citing the continued publication of critical coverage by The New York Times.

Maher Claims Trump Disdains Sycophants, Defies Ratings Attacks
politics4 days ago

Maher Claims Trump Disdains Sycophants, Defies Ratings Attacks

Bill Maher argued on CNN that President Donald Trump secretly despises sycophants, despite the leader's public demand for loyalty. Maher stated that Trump’s opinions are malleable and that he needs critics like himself to engage in dialogue. This stance follows recent clashes where Trump criticized Maher’s show ratings, though Maher maintains he would still accept a dinner invitation with the president.

CNN Anchor Kaitlan Collins Uses 'Nasty Women' Mug to Retaliate Against Trump's Insults
politics4 days ago

CNN Anchor Kaitlan Collins Uses 'Nasty Women' Mug to Retaliate Against Trump's Insults

CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins was spotted with a mug reading 'America Needs Nasty Women' on her desk, a subtle response to President Trump's recent personal attacks. Trump had called her 'nasty' and 'the most unhappy young person' in a Time interview. This visual rebuttal follows a period of heightened tension, including a public confrontation at the UN and an ongoing legal battle over the White House media ban.

Mark Thompson to Lead CNN as Skydance Completes Warner Acquisition
media4 days ago

Mark Thompson to Lead CNN as Skydance Completes Warner Acquisition

Mark Thompson will remain chairman and editor-in-chief of CNN as the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger closes on Tuesday. The combined entity, named Skydance, confirmed its leadership team on Monday, with David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz serving as co-CEOs. Thompson’s retention resolves months of uncertainty regarding editorial independence, though the network faces significant debt and integration challenges.

DOJ Challenges Press Ban Ruling, Citing 'Professionalism' Standards
politics6 days ago

DOJ Challenges Press Ban Ruling, Citing 'Professionalism' Standards

The Justice Department is arguing that President Trump can legally ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House by claiming they failed to meet 'minimum requirements of professionalism.' This legal push follows a temporary restraining order by Judge Timothy Kelly, who ruled the ban violated due process. The outlets are seeking a preliminary injunction, arguing the ban is unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.

Kushner Condemns CNN Report on Israeli Defense Ties as 'Misleading'
politics6 days ago

Kushner Condemns CNN Report on Israeli Defense Ties as 'Misleading'

Jared Kushner publicly criticized CNN for a report suggesting his diplomatic work in the Middle East conflicted with his financial interests. CNN’s investigation found that Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, holds a 7.4% stake in Phoenix Financial, an Israeli group with significant investments in defense contractors like Elbit Systems. Kushner argued the headline was misleading because the full article, hidden behind a paywall, stated CNN found no direct link between his diplomatic actions and the investments. He emphasized that Phoenix is a regulated financial institution, not a defense company, and that his firm has no role in its investment decisions. CNN stood by its reporting, while the White House dismissed the concerns as a 'tired narrative' from political opponents.

Thompson’s CNN Retention Clarifies Paramount News Hierarchy, Excludes Weiss
media-and-platforms7 days ago

Thompson’s CNN Retention Clarifies Paramount News Hierarchy, Excludes Weiss

David Ellison is negotiating to keep Mark Thompson as CNN CEO for at least one year following the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. This move secures Thompson’s position while excluding CBS News head Bari Weiss from editorial oversight of CNN. The arrangement aims to stabilize leadership and address staff concerns about editorial independence, though it raises questions about future cost-cutting and operational consolidation.

Paramount Negotiates to Retain CNN Chief Mark Thompson Amid Merger Uncertainty
media8 days ago

Paramount Negotiates to Retain CNN Chief Mark Thompson Amid Merger Uncertainty

Paramount Skydance is in early-stage discussions to retain CNN CEO Mark Thompson following the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. While Thompson has expressed enthusiasm for staying, his contract expires in 2027, and he seeks guarantees of editorial independence. Paramount CEO David Ellison is not planning to assign a managerial role at CNN to CBS News head Bari Weiss, who previously led controversial changes at CBS News. The move aims to stabilize CNN’s leadership while addressing staff concerns about editorial integrity and the future of the network’s digital strategy.

Paramount Keeps CNN Chief Thompson, Leaves Weiss Out of News Network Plans
media8 days ago

Paramount Keeps CNN Chief Thompson, Leaves Weiss Out of News Network Plans

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison is retaining CNN chief Mark Thompson after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, while excluding CBS News head Bari Weiss from the network’s leadership. Thompson’s contract expires in 2027, and Ellison is negotiating to keep him in control of CNN’s journalism. Weiss, who led a controversial overhaul of CBS News, is not expected to have a managerial role at CNN, though sources say Larry Ellison still values her presence in the company.

White House drops CNN from Texas-Oklahoma press pool despite court order
politics8 days ago

White House drops CNN from Texas-Oklahoma press pool despite court order

The White House removed CNN from the television press pool for President Trump’s upcoming trip to Texas and Oklahoma, escalating a legal dispute over media access. CNN had been designated as the pooler in a Sunday rotation but was excluded from the daily guidance for the Thursday visit to Denton, Texas, and Durant, Oklahoma. This move follows a federal judge’s recent order blocking the administration’s ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, though that order only covered White House grounds, not Air Force One. CNN’s attorney called the exclusion a violation of the First Amendment, while the White House defended the president’s accessibility and criticized the network’s coverage as biased.