CNN CEO Mark Thompson reportedly invited to stay after Skydance merger
- Discovery are uniting under the new corporate name Skydance.
- All signs point to Mark Thompson staying on as CEO of CNN following the completion of the corporate merger, according to reports.
- The future relationship between CNN and CBS News remains unclear as the two organizations prepare to become corporate siblings under Skydance.
Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery are uniting under the new corporate name Skydance.
Will Mark Thompson Remain CEO of CNN Under Skydance?
All signs point to Mark Thompson staying on as CEO of CNN following the completion of the corporate merger, according to reports. Reports stated that Thompson met with David Ellison, the CEO of the incoming conglomerate, and received an invitation to continue leading the news network. During the meeting, Thompson reportedly sought assurances that CNN will maintain its independence.
The future relationship between CNN and CBS News remains unclear as the two organizations prepare to become corporate siblings under Skydance. During a Friday morning editorial call, Thompson did not address the reported meeting with Ellison directly. Instead, he told staff members, I’m very committed to CNN and would like nothing better than to lead it into this new chapter in this new company if the circumstances are right.
Thompson added that he did not want to add to the extensive speculation surrounding his role.
What Is the New Name of the Merged Media Behemoth?
The media conglomerate uniting Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery was officially unveiled on Friday as simply Skydance. David Ellison explained the rebranding in a social media announcement. Ellison stated that the company wanted an identity that gives the combined enterprise its own standing while allowing Paramount, Warner Bros., and all associated brands to remain in the spotlight.
What once was the peak, is now just the beginning. Paramount and Warner Bros. shaped over a century of culture. By combining them, we aren’t rewriting history — we’re equipping these iconic studios with a more powerful engine. Together, we are Skydance: a creative-first home for…
David Ellison
How Are CNN and Fox Competitors Adjusting Their Programming?
CNN is partnering with Jubilee Media to host a live town hall in Fort Worth, Texas, featuring James Talarico. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, at 8 p.m. ET, the event will be moderated by CNN anchor Erin Burnett before an audience of Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters.
CNN is also expanding its digital footprint with a new streaming series titled Body Language by CNN. Hosted by anchor and chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown, the four-episode series explores women’s health experiences and premieres exclusively on CNN All Access on Thursday, October 8. Additionally, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Brown will moderate CNN’s first Health Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, October 21, streaming across cnn.com, the CNN app, and YouTube.
Meanwhile, the Fox Business Network is overhauling its weekday lineup following Maria Bartiromo’s departure. Fox Business will debut a three-hour morning show titled Big Money in the Morning on Monday, October 12, starting at 6 a.m. ET. The program is hosted by Dagen McDowell, Brian Brenberg, Taylor Riggs, and Barron’s Josh Schafer. McDowell and Brenberg’s former 6 p.m. ET slot for The Bottom Line will now feature encore episodes of Kudlow.
Fox Business is also adding rotating co-hosts Cheryl Casone, Marcus Lemonis, and Lou Basenese alongside Jackie DeAngelis on the noon program The Big Money Show. Liz Claman will anchor a new weekly Friday night program titled Claman’s Power Players at 7 p.m. ET. In other Fox programming, anchor Martha MacCallum will moderate a session of The Senate Project featuring U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Peter Welch, streaming on Fox Nation and foxnews.com on Monday, October 19, at 11 a.m. ET.
When Do the Upcoming Town Hall and New Shows Premiere?
The CNN & Jubilee Town Hall with James Talarico broadcasts live on Wednesday, October 14, at 8 p.m. ET. Pamela Brown’s Body Language by CNN premieres on Thursday, October 8, on CNN All Access. The CNN Health Innovation Summit takes place on Wednesday, October 21, in Washington, D.C. Fox Business launches its updated schedule on Monday, October 12, while The Senate Project streams on Monday, October 19.