CNN CEO acknowledges staff tension as Paramount takeover looms

CNN CEO Mark Thompson acknowledges pervasive tension among staff due to the impending $111 billion Paramount takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The Justice Department approved the merger, allowing Paramount to integrate CNN with CBS News and HBO Max. Staffers fear political influence and cite concerns stemming from changes at CBS News under Bari Weiss. CNN's brand, built on credibility, is at risk. The merger is expected to finalize after September 30.