Former President Donald Trump recently jumped into the fray over who will control Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), stating, “It’s imperative that CNN be sold.” Trump criticized the network’s coverage, showing his preference for Paramount’s takeover bid for WBD, although he didn’t name it directly.
Paramount, led by CEO David Ellison, is the only contender aiming for complete ownership of WBD, which includes CNN. In a recent turn of events, Netflix agreed to acquire Warner Bros. and HBO but did not include CNN in this deal.
During a White House meeting, Trump was asked about potential changes at CNN if new leadership took over. The inquiry surprised some, as many believe no leadership shakeup is imminent. However, reports suggest that Ellison assured Trump administration officials of significant changes if his bid succeeds. Some insiders are concerned that an Ellison takeover might impact CNN’s editorial choices.
Trump voiced strong opinions about CNN’s leadership, calling them a “disgrace” and suggesting their influence had been harmful. This criticism is not new; Trump has long expressed disdain for CNN, deeming it a platform of “poison” and “lies.”
Typically, CNN avoids commenting on such political pressures. This current situation reflects a broader concern within the media about maintaining independence amid corporate interests. Since WBD plans to split into two publicly traded entities, one for movies and one for cable channels, the future of CNN hangs in a delicate balance.
Recent statistics show that trust in media has been declining, with a 2022 Gallup poll indicating that only 16% of Americans have a great deal of trust in the media. The ongoing debate about CNN’s direction only adds to this precariousness. Many journalists worry about potential biases that could emerge from changing ownership.
David Ellison has emphasized that his vision for a news service will focus on building trust. He claims that findings indicate a strong desire among Americans for a more balanced news outlet, suggesting about 70% of people fall in the moderate category and crave reliable reporting.
Moreover, the Ellison and Trump ties go back years, creating an intriguing backdrop. Ellison had donated to President Biden’s campaign yet later aligned with Trump’s administration, raising eyebrows about where his loyalties lie.
In the instance that CNN changes hands, how it will affect their rigorous coverage of political matters, especially those involving Trump, remains uncertain. Past experiences show that corporate ownership can create pressures on editorial decisions, but CNN leadership has promised to uphold journalistic integrity.
As the industry watches closely, the outcome of these bids will likely shape not just CNN’s future, but also the broader media landscape. Issues around corporate influence and journalistic independence are in the spotlight more than ever, a topic that resonates loud and clear among audiences today.
