CNN's Takeover Uncertainty Spooks Star Reporter Into Leaving: Reports

LOADINGERROR LOADINGPaula Reid is leaving CNN after citing the uncertainty of an expected corporate takeover, Variety reported Tuesday.The news network’s chief legal affairs correspondent had the opportunity to renew a contract that expires this summer but chose not to, two people in the know told the trade publication.Advertisement Reid, an attorney, joined CNN in 2021 as a a senior legal affairs correspondent.Reid covered Supreme Court decisions Tuesday but did not appear to discuss her job status.CNN declined to comment about the reports Wednesday.Paula Reid will not renew her contract at CNN, according to reports.CNNThe media site Status provided more details behind her departure, saying Reid was given a generous offer but no assurances on the future editorial direction of the network.

Paramount Skydance’s purchase of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros.Discovery, is nearing completion and raising alarms at the cable network.Advertisement Paramount’s earlier purchase of CBS sparked conservative changes at the network, and CNN’s journalists are said to be fearful of a similar lean toward President Donald Trump’s priorities.Reid had “candid conversations” about her “discomfort” with the pending takeover before making her decision.The likely transition might have also led CNN’s top star Anderson Cooper to reportedly tell colleagues he does not want to work for Bari Weiss.

Weiss is the current CBS News editor-in-chief, who overlapped with Cooper at the network as he worked his final months as a correspondent for “60 Minutes.” The New York Times said she could be installed as a boss at CNN as well.Advertisement Weiss’ reported meddling on “60 Minutes” was accompanied by on-camera and behind-the-scenes personnel departures ― forced and otherwise.Her rightward touch on “CBS Evening News” anchored by Tony Dokoupil has generated cringe moments and criticism.Paramount Skydance Chair David Ellison, a f...