CNN boss Mark Thompson addresses his future in tense exchange with staffers over Paramount deal: report

CNN boss Mark Thompson reportedly told staff he intends to remain in his role once Paramount Skydance completes its purchase of the network’s parent company Warner Bros.Discovery.The promise came Wednesday as CNN journos have been fretting about their fate under new ownership, according to the Status newsletter.They pressed the CNN president during a meeting at the network’s London bureau.On-air talent and staffers reportedly grilled Thompson over whether the network would maintain editorial independence under Paramount CEO David Ellison, who’s overseen controversial changes at CBS News since buying its parent company last year.In a separate Zoom call with CNN’s Middle East-based staffers, he was asked about his own future at the network.“As I’ve said, I’m really committed to CNN,” Thompson reportedly told staffers during the Zoom meeting.“I’m in the middle of something exciting and interesting with all of you, and I’d like to continue it,” he added without elaborating.A CNN spokesperson declined to comment to The Post.The meetings were routine town hall-style sessions that Thompson regularly holds across the network’s global offices, including a standard check-in with London- and Middle East-based staff that also addressed safety concerns in light of the ongoing war with Iran.Thompson’s comments came just days after Status reported that CNN is preparing to implement another round of job cuts as part of a digital overhaul of the network.The cuts are expected to impact a few dozen employees and target roles not tied to growth areas, as the network shifts resources toward digital products and audience development.The move follows earlier cuts under Thompson, who eliminated about 6% of CNN’s workforce last year as he pushed to reposition the network for a digital future.More reductions could follow if Paramount completes its takeover of parent company Warner Bros.

Discovery, with executives expected to look for cost savings across the com...