Paramount CEO David Ellison assured CNBC viewers on Thursday that CNN would preserve its editorial independence if Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is finalized, directly addressing concerns that the network might alter its approach to align with the Trump administration.
During an appearance on "Squawk on the Street," host David Faber questioned Ellison about widespread fears—particularly among CNN staff—that a Paramount-owned CNN could become "more beholden to the Trump administration," especially given Ellison's influence over CBS News. Some insiders had previously described the potential takeover as potentially marking "the end" for the network as they know it.
Ellison pushed back firmly, stating that CNN's independence "will actually be maintained." He drew a parallel to CBS, where he said editorial independence is already upheld, and emphasized a focus on serving the "70% of Americans—and around the world—who identify as center-left and center-right."
He described Paramount's goal as being "in the truth business" and "in the trust business," insisting this direction would not shift.
"We absolutely believe in the independence that needs to be maintained" for CNN's journalists, Ellison added, pledging ongoing support for their work. He also highlighted plans to invest in the news division, calling the deal potentially "positive" for both CNN and CBS News, while noting a broader transition toward consumer choice across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms.
Despite these assurances, skepticism persists at CNN and beyond. Ellison's comments come amid reports of his and his father Larry Ellison's (Oracle co-founder) discussions with the Trump White House. At CBS News—where Ellison appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief to broaden appeal to a more centrist audience—changes have sparked controversy and departures. "CBS Evening News" adopted a noticeably more Trump-friendly tone early on, and correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi reportedly criticized Weiss for making a "political" call to shelve a story on the Trump administration's deportation of Venezuelan migrants to a high-security prison in El Salvador.