Mark Thompson's CNN Talks Leave Bari Weiss's Role Uncertain

David Ellison is negotiating to keep Mark Thompson as CNN CEO, a move that clarifies leadership for Paramount's takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery but leaves Bari Weiss's role uncertain. The talks were reported by the Wall Street Journal and confirmed by Reuters. Thompson is expected to remain atop CNN for at least a year, with Weiss not given editorial oversight of the network. The arrangement could ease regulatory concerns about CNN's independence, though former executives say it may not prevent eventual consolidation of CNN and CBS News under a single leader. Weiss retains the Ellison family's support, but her CBS News tenure has faced controversy and ratings declines. CNN generates about $650 million in profit annually, while the combined company will carry roughly $80 billion in debt.