Imagine your workplace is on the brink of a major shake-up, and the future feels as uncertain as a rollercoaster ride in the dark. That’s exactly where CNN staffers find themselves right now. But here’s where it gets controversial: While many fear the network’s potential takeover by the Trump-friendly Ellisons could spell doom, the reality might be far more nuanced—and surprisingly, less dire than the alternative.
Reports suggest CNN employees are breathing a sigh of relief that their parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, is leaning toward a merger with Netflix instead of Paramount Skydance. Why? Because the latter is backed by Larry and David Ellison, whose political leanings have staffers worried they’d dismantle ‘The Most Trusted Name In News.’ But hold on—this is the part most people miss: the Ellisons might not be the network’s executioners after all. In fact, their plans could be less about destruction and more about integration into a global media empire.
Here’s the twist: The Netflix deal, which staffers seem to prefer, might actually be the worse option for CNN’s rank-and-file. According to Wall Street insiders, the cable channel would likely be spun off into a public company, burdened by debt and pressured to show profits. And it gets worse—executives predict CNN could eventually be sold to a private equity firm that views news as a nuisance, leading to drastic cuts and a cycle of profit-driven downsizing.
Now, let’s talk about the Ellisons’ vision. Unlike Netflix, they’re not just eyeing the streaming and studio business; they want the cable properties too. Insiders say the father-and-son duo aims to grow CNN and CBS as part of a unified global media powerhouse. But here’s the kicker: CNN staffers reportedly dread working under Bari Weiss, who runs CBS for the Ellisons and has shifted its tone to appeal to conservatives—a move that’s sparked internal resistance.
However, Weiss isn’t exactly pushing a hard-line MAGA agenda at CBS, and the Ellisons’ partner, RedBird Capital, is led by media veteran Gerry Cardinale. He’s got a team of seasoned journalists, including former CNN anchor Chris Wallace, who could play a key role in CNN’s future under a Paramount Skydance deal. Interestingly, there’s talk of CBS moving its news operations to CNN’s Atlanta headquarters, which could make financial sense given the networks’ current standings.
CNN generates an impressive $500 million to $600 million in annual cash flow, despite its third-place ratings among cable news giants. This proves it’s a viable business—one the Ellisons wouldn’t likely dismantle, despite fears to the contrary. Yes, there’d be cuts and ‘synergies,’ but that’s a far cry from the network being gutted by a private equity firm.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are the Ellisons really the villains CNN staffers fear, or are they pragmatic investors who see value in preserving and growing the network? Larry Ellison’s $240 billion net worth suggests he’s not looking to scrap CNN but to position it as a cornerstone of Paramount’s news operations. And despite Larry’s early support for Trump, recent comments from both sides hint at a less cozy relationship than many assume.
The paranoia is palpable, and it highlights a broader issue: many journalists could benefit from a crash course in Finance 101. The Netflix deal, often seen as the ‘winner,’ only includes WBD’s studio and streaming service, leaving CNN and other cable properties to fend for themselves as a debt-laden public company. That’s a recipe for deeper cuts and constant pressure from investors in an already declining industry.
As someone who works at a competitor, Fox News, I’m not cheering for CNN’s struggles. Journalism is vital to democracy, and CNN’s global reach and 24/7 reporting are invaluable. The real question is: Who’s more likely to nurture that—an owner who sees news as a nuisance or one who views it as a spearhead for their media empire?
What do you think? Are the Ellisons a threat to CNN’s future, or could they be its unlikely saviors? Let’s debate it in the comments—I’m all ears.
