CNN's CEO will still be here for a while after Warner Bros./Paramount merger

The Warner Bros./Paramount merger, which is set to take effect on October 6, has already led to significant changes within the media landscape. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the CNN CEO, Mark Thompson, will remain in his position for the time being. Despite the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, Thompson's leadership at CNN remains intact.

WSJ's sources indicate that David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, consulted with Thompson for several weeks to ensure his continued role at CNN. However, the proposed new contract for the CNN CEO has not yet been finalized as his existing contract is set to expire early next year.

Thompson, who has been serving as CNN's chairman and CEO since 2023, is reportedly keen on maintaining editorial autonomy post-merger. This contrast starkly with CBS, a company that underwent a dramatic shift when Ellison hired Bari Weiss as the editor-in-chief. Weiss is not anticipated to be part of CNN's leadership structure post-merger.

In preparation for the merger, Ellison has been diligently establishing the new chain of command. He has turned to Elon Musk for additional financing. Casey Bloys, an established figure at HBO, will oversee Paramount and Warner Bros. streaming operations. Meanwhile, Cindy Holland, who headed Paramount+, is set to depart.

Ellison has also appointed Ynon Kreiz, the current CEO of Mattel, as his co-CEO for the combined company. As for Thompson, he will continue to hold his position until further notice. However, Kara Swisher, a tech reporter and on-air contributor to CNN, anticipates her exit from the network.