Fear and Loathing at CNN

As Netflix backs away from Warner Bros. Discovery, Trump ally David Ellison moves closer to controlling CNN — raising fears of political influence, layoffs, and a reshaped newsroom.

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Netflix was expected to make a serious run at Warner Bros. Discovery. Instead, after meetings at the White House and the Justice Department, it walked away. Suddenly, the deal was “no longer financially attractive.”

That clears the runway for David Ellison — the Paramount Skydance chief who has made it clear he’s comfortable around Trump World — to take control of Warner Bros., HBO, and CNN.

And inside CNN, panic set in fast.

Oliver Darcy’s Status revealed stories of reporters and producers texting each other, saying they were doomed. Others used stronger language. One insider described the mood as “off the charts.” Within hours, CNN chief Mark Thompson was promising town halls and urging staff not to jump to conclusions.