Atlanta, GA, USA - June 17, 2022: CNN logo is seen at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia, the world headquarters of the Cable News Network. (Photo credit: Tada Images / Shutterstock)
CNN CEO Mark Thompson admitted to staff that even he can't shake the tension gripping the network as Paramount's $111 billion takeover of parent Warner Bros. Discovery barrels toward the finish line, according to a new report.
"I swear to God, I go home and try and relax and I can still feel the tension in the room because I'm in the room, and I'm no different from anyone else," Thompson told employees at a global town hall last month, according to a recording of his remarks obtained by New York Magazine.
The Justice Department approved the merger last month without demanding a single divestiture, clearing the way for Paramount CEO David Ellison to fold CNN in alongside CBS News, Paramount+ and HBO Max. But inside CNN, staffers worry politics could shape what comes next, pointing to Trump allies who've publicly cheered Ellison's ascent and a private dinner where Trump reportedly spoke for nearly an hour at Ellison's invitation.
Much of that anxiety traces back to CBS, where Bari Weiss took over as editor-in-chief and gutted "60 Minutes," pushing out veteran correspondents and igniting a public feud with Scott Pelley, who accused her of "murdering" the program. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, who left "60 Minutes" in May, has reportedly told colleagues he won't work under Weiss if she's handed control of CNN too.
Some Paramount insiders are reportedly urging caution before expanding Weiss's reach, and private equity investor Gerry Cardinale has praised Thompson's leadership. CNN's chief legal correspondent, Paula Reid, already bolted for rival MS NOW, becoming a major on-air departure tied to merger jitters.
Thompson told staff he's fighting to protect CNN's brand, built on "credibility and trustworthiness."
"I think messing with it is dangerous for audiences, both old audiences on which a lot of our economics all depends but also our new audiences," he said.
The merger is expected to close on or after Sept. 30.