CNN Chief Mark Thompson in Talks to Remain After Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal, Source Says

Paramount Global CEO David Ellison has asked CNN Chief Executive Mark Thompson to continue leading the news network following Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The two executives have held talks in recent weeks regarding a new contract, though terms have not yet been finalized.

Leadership and Editorial Independence

The discussions come as Paramount prepares to integrate the news operations of CNN and CBS News. A key priority for Thompson in the negotiations is securing guarantees of editorial independence, ensuring he would retain broad control over CNN’s journalism, the source said.

Paramount executives are reportedly still determining the operational structure for the combined CNN and CBS News divisions. The source also indicated that CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss is not expected to have a role at CNN after the deal is finalized.

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Merger Approval and Safeguards

The leadership talks follow a major step forward for the $110 billion acquisition. A U.S. judge on Wednesday entered an order allowing Paramount to close its purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, resolving a legal challenge from a group of 12 states that had sued to block the deal over antitrust concerns.

A crucial condition of the settlement is the establishment of an independent News Editorial Independence Board. This body is mandated to safeguard the editorial autonomy and fact-based reporting standards at both CBS News and CNN under their new, unified ownership. Paramount declined to comment on the talks, and Warner Bros. Discovery did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to Reuters. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the news.