Brian Williams Says He’s Worried About CNN’s Future Under David Ellison: ‘I Have a Lot of Friends Over There’

In a recent podcast interview, veteran NBC News anchor Brian Williams expressed apprehension about the future of CNN under the ownership of David Ellison following the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. During an episode of "Club Random," Maher inquired about the comparative quality of current news anchors, to which Williams responded that they were "a product of their organization."

However, Williams was particularly concerned about CNN, a public utility he deemed "hugely important" to American life. The proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, valued at $110 billion, is currently on hold due to an antitrust lawsuit. If the merger proceeds, CNN would be acquired by Paramount and CEO David Ellison.

Ellison's father, Larry Ellison, has a strong connection to President Donald Trump, having contributed around $45 million to a pro-Trump political organization during the 2024 election. Williams acknowledged the strong foreign reporting of CNN, including his friendship with correspondent Richard Engel. He also mentioned talks of establishing a board to ensure fairness, similar to one proposed by Bari Weiss at CBS News.

Despite Maher's joking reaction, Williams seriously voiced his worry about potential impacts on CNN's integrity and journalistic standards under Ellison's leadership. He emphasized his admiration for many of CNN's employees despite his concerns.