David Ellison

CNN Staff Panic as Trump Allies Plot Network Takeover

CNN staffers are reportedly in a state of panic as David Ellison, chief of Paramount Skydance and a figure who has reportedly cozied up to Donald Trump, emerges as the likely new owner of Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes CNN. This follows Netflix’s withdrawal from a potential acquisition deal, clearing the path for Ellison’s bid. The potential takeover has drawn parallels to Bari Weiss’s previous steering of CBS News into a more Trump-friendly direction, a move that reportedly led veteran broadcaster Anderson Cooper to depart CBS to avoid working under her leadership. Trump himself has previously expressed his desire for CNN to be sold and fall under new ownership, and reports suggest Ellison has offered assurances of significant changes to the network.

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Paramount Skydance Layoffs Spark Concerns Amid Economic Troubles and Political Influence

Paramount Skydance initiated a significant round of layoffs, impacting over 1,000 employees initially with plans for more, totaling about 10% of its workforce. CEO David Ellison cited a restructuring to align with new priorities following the controversial merger greenlit by the Trump administration. The company, now worth approximately $18 billion, owns major media properties like CBS and Nickelodeon. Amid these cuts, Ellison is pursuing a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery while also shaping the company’s editorial direction to focus on “American storytelling.”

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