David Ellison Wants Mark Thompson To Remain At CNN After Merger Deal Closes
Deadline • • business
Key Points:
- Paramount CEO David Ellison is in early talks with CNN CEO Mark Thompson to retain him at the network following the Warner Bros Discovery deal closure, aiming to provide stability for CNN's future leadership.
- Since becoming CNN CEO in 2023, Thompson has focused on integrating linear and digital operations and launched the CNN All Access subscription and streaming service.
- Under Thompson, CNN has maintained aggressive reporting on the Trump administration, including pursuing a lawsuit after being banned from the White House grounds and defending its reporters against attacks.
- Bari Weiss, CBS News editor in chief, is not expected to have a role at CNN despite speculation about potential responsibilities after the merger of CBS News and CNN as sister networks.
- Financial projections estimate CNN will generate $1.8 billion in revenue and $600 million in profit by fiscal year 2026, growing to $2.2 billion in revenue and $700 million in profit by 2030.
