Chaos Came to CBS News. What’s in Store for CNN?
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- CNN is preparing for a significant corporate merger that would place it under the same ownership as CBS News, following a $111 billion acquisition of CNN’s parent company by David Ellison, who controls Paramount.
- David Ellison, known for his close ties to former President Trump, has not disclosed specific plans for CNN, raising concerns among the network’s journalists about potential changes in editorial direction.
- Bari Weiss, appointed by Ellison to lead CBS News despite limited broadcasting experience, has made controversial personnel decisions and faced accusations of editorial interference, which she denies.
- Ellison and his team are considering whether to give Weiss oversight of CNN, a much larger and more profitable network than CBS News, despite internal resistance from journalists.
- The merger represents a major transformation for CNN, which has endured various challenges over nearly 50 years, including changes in ownership, fluctuating ratings, and political pressures.
