Key Highlights
- Donald Trump demands new ownership and leadership for CNN as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
- Paramount CEO David Ellison signals plans to overhaul CNN if his company acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially merging it with CBS News.
- Shifting CNN rightward could accelerate its ratings decline, according to industry experts who argue the network cannot compete with Fox News’ deeply loyal audience.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt supports Trump’s sentiment that CNN needs new ownership for improved coverage and ratings.
The CNN-Paramount Drama: A Bid for New Leadership
In the ongoing battle over Warner Bros. Discovery’s acquisition by either Netflix or Paramount, former President Donald Trump has stepped into the fray with a firm demand: new ownership and leadership at CNN. This move comes amidst a backdrop of tension between Trump and mainstream media outlets that have been critical of his presidency.
Trump’s Demands and Warner Bros. Discovery
During a press conference on June 27, 2024, Trump made it clear that any deal involving the sale or control of Warner Bros. Discovery should guarantee CNN’s inclusion as part of the package, or ensure its separate sale to new owners. This demand is rooted in his longstanding criticism of CNN and other mainstream media outlets.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump’s stance on December 13, 2025, stating that CNN’s declining ratings and perceived bias are reasons for the network needing fresh management. “Their ratings have declined, and I think the president rightfully believes that network would benefit from new ownership with respect to this deal,” she said.
Paramount’s Plans: A Potential Merger
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Paramount CEO David Ellison has indicated his intention to make sweeping changes at CNN if his company acquires Warner Bros. Discovery. This includes the potential merger of CNN’s newsgathering operations with CBS News, where conservative-friendly Bari Weiss is serving as editor in chief.
Ellison’s plans reflect a broader strategy by Paramount to navigate regulatory scrutiny and solidify its position in the media landscape. The move has raised concerns among CNN insiders about the impact on journalistic independence if the network were to align more closely with conservative voices.
The Ratings Dilemma
Shifting CNN’s editorial stance to appeal more to conservatives could be a risky proposition for its future viewership and ratings. Industry experts argue that CNN’s attempt in 2022 to bring on more right-leaning voices under Chris Licht failed to win back viewers, putting the network further behind conservative competitors like Fox News.
According to Jon Klein, a former CNN president, “You’re not going to convince all those Fox News viewers that suddenly CNN is friendly to them and their way of life.” Klein adds, “These are much older viewers who don’t change their habits so easily. There has been mistrust that has been fostered over many years.”
Implications for the Network
CNN Chairman Mark Thompson’s recent memo to staff emphasized the need for calm and resilience during this period of uncertainty. “Of course, I can’t promise you that the media attention and noise around the sale of our parent will die down overnight,” he stated.
The outcome of the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition could significantly impact CNN’s future direction. Whether Netflix prevails or Paramount wins the bid, the network faces challenges in maintaining its editorial integrity while adapting to a rapidly changing media landscape.
