Mark Thompson will lead CNN after Skydance acquires Warner Bros Discovery
CNN CEO Mark Thompson confirmed he will remain in his role following the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery into Skydance.
Leadership changes announced for new company
Thompson stated in a memo that he will continue as independent Editor-in-Chief with his current responsibilities. The combined entity will be led by Paramount CEO David Ellison alongside former Mattel head Ynon Kreiz. HBO CEO Casey Bloys is set to serve as chief content officer for the streaming business.
Staff concerns addressed regarding news independence
Thompson expressed confidence that the new owners support independent news practices similar to those CNN has always stood for. This announcement aims to reassure employees who had worried about the division's future under Paramount. A settlement with 12 states requires the company to adopt a news editorial independence board.
Other executives retain their specific roles
Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg will head up the film studios while George Cheeks runs the TV business. Bari Weiss remains editor-in-chief of CBS News despite recent scrutiny regarding her appointment. The acquisition is expected to close this week as part of the broader media consolidation.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Variety
- The Verge
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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.