CNN legend Christiane Amanpour expresses concern about Ellison take-over

• Amanpour cited CBS News's declining performance under Ellison, including 'hemorrhaging viewers' and 'potentially' destroying 60 Minutes, a top-rated, longtime money-maker for the network
• David Ellison has not detailed specific plans for CNN but says he values editorial independence, while his father, tech billionaire Larry Ellison, has reportedly discussed making changes including potentially removing certain CNN hosts
• The concerns come amid broader media pressures, with Wall Street Journal editor Emma Tucker noting that lawsuits increasingly arrive 'before you even get to publication' in what appears to be an effort to chill journalism

Summary: CNN's Amanpour Voices Concerns Over Ellison Acquisition

Key Development:

CNN's chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour publicly expressed concerns about the pending acquisition of CNN parent Warner Bros Discovery by Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison. The merger was first reported as likely in late February.

Main Concerns:

Amanpour cited CBS News's declining performance under Skydance control since summer 2024, including:

• Hemorrhaging viewers and revenue
• "Ideological realignment" of CBS
• Potential disruption to the acclaimed news magazine "60 Minutes," historically a top-rated, profitable program
• Recent departure of longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi

Editorial Independence Issues:

While David Ellison has publicly stated his commitment to editorial independence and has not disclosed specific CNN strategy, his father, tech billionaire Larry Ellison, has reportedly discussed making changes at CNN, including potentially removing certain hosts.

Broader Industry Context:

Amanpour emphasized journalists' role as the "fourth estate" holding leaders accountable, suggesting current political leadership expects media to act as "sycophants and megaphones." Wall Street Journal editor Emma Tucker also noted increasing pre-publication legal threats designed to chill journalism.

Market Implications:

The acquisition raises concerns about editorial independence at major news networks under new ownership, potentially affecting content strategy and talent retention. CBS's reported performance decline under Skydance management signals possible operational risks for CNN post-merger.

Corporate Response:

Paramount Skydance declined to comment on Amanpour's remarks.