CNN Finds New Direction Amid Ownership Changes: A Closer Look

CNN’s recent developments have stirred a mix of relief and concern among its staff as the network’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), opts to sell its streaming and studio assets to Netflix instead of to Paramount, owned by Trump supporter David Ellison. This strategic decision has shaped a new chapter for CNN, but the satisfaction might be fleeting as challenges lie ahead.

A Shifting Landscape: CNN Staff Relief

Many insiders at CNN reportedly expressed relief when they learned that Netflix emerged victorious in the bidding war for WBD’s assets, particularly its streaming and studio business. Dylan Byers of Puck noted, “The majority of CNN insiders impulsively view this as a better outcome than being owned by David Ellison.” The thought of potentially working under Bari Weiss, a controversial figure in media circles, intensified their concerns.

• Key Concerns:
  • The fear of ideological shifts under Ellison’s management.
  • Potential job losses for popular CNN personalities criticized by former President Trump.

The Bidding War: Who Was Involved?

The competitive landscape saw major players, including Netflix, Paramount, and Comcast, fighting for a slice of WBD. Netflix’s offer of $83 billion led to its triumph, allowing WBD to spin off its businesses into:

• GoodCo: Streaming and studio assets
• BadCo: Declining cable assets

Staff Sentiment: A Mixed Bag of Hope and Anxiety

Despite initial relief over the news, CNN staff members remain cautious. Many had worried that a Paramount acquisition could lead to ideological changes, but with the latest developments, there is a glimmer of hope for stability.

• Mark Thompson, CNN Chairman: "This news will enable us to continue to roll out our strategy to secure a great future for CNN."

However, this optimism may be short-lived as the management transitions to Gunnar Wiedenfels, known for his rigorous cost-cutting measures. Under Wiedenfels, who previously oversaw significant job cuts at WBD, harsh layoffs and financial scrutiny are anticipated.

Concerns Over Job Security

With Wiedenfels at the helm, CNN staff fear potential layoffs and salary reductions, particularly among top talent who command substantial salaries yet have seen declining viewer numbers.

Current Salary Landscape:

• Anderson Cooper: $18 million/year
• Erin Burnett: $8 million/year
• Jake Tapper: $7.5 million/year

Despite these figures, recent viewership statistics show a pronounced decline in ratings, making salaries seem disproportionate to audience engagement.

The Decline in Ratings: A Worrying Trend

During Trump’s presidency, CNN enjoyed a ratings spike, averaging 2.5 million nightly viewers during primetime. In stark contrast, by October 2025, the network plummeted to just 504,000 total viewers during the same hours.

• Key Demo Drop: Only 77,000 viewers in the coveted 25-54 demographic.

As ratings dwindle, financial experts speculate about necessary adjustments in compensation packages, bringing attention to the imbalance between salaries and viewership.

Dylan Byers from Puck pointedly remarked, “Gunnar will look at CNN and decide he can maintain relatively similar profits at a mere fraction of the cost,” raising alarms about the future of talented yet costly hosts.

The Wider Impact: Scrutinizing Salaries Across Networks

The landscape is not just isolated to CNN. Other networks, including MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), are expected to follow suit in reviewing compensation plans for high-profile personalities post-spin-off from NBC Universal.

Conclusion: Awaiting the Next Chapter

While the immediate future for CNN appears promising with Netflix’s acquisition, underlying tensions and fears of austerity loom large. The landscape of cable news is rapidly changing, and as CNN navigates these waters, the industry will be watching closely.

For more insights on media ownership and its implications, check out NPR and The Guardian.

By understanding these developments, audiences can better appreciate the shifting dynamics at one of America’s most talked-about news networks.