David Ellison, CEO of Paramount SkyDance, sought on the 5th (local time) to quell concerns about CNN's future ahead of the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, promising to protect the news network's editorial independence.

"CNN has an amazing brand and an amazing team, and we absolutely believe that independence is paramount, especially for its great journalists," Ellison said in an interview with CNBC. "We want to continue to support CNN."

These remarks come just days after Paramount emerged as the likely winner in the race to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, a media giant that owns key assets like CNN, HBO, and the Warner Bros. film studio, after Netflix suddenly withdrew from the months-long bidding war.

"The people we want to talk to are moderates, left or right of center, who represent 70% of the population globally, including in America," he added. "We will focus on delivering truth and building trust, and that will not change."

The acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery still requires regulatory approval and a vote by Warner shareholders.

David Ellison's father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, has provided significant funding for the acquisition and is a long-time ally and financial supporter of President Donald Trump.

Last year, the Ellison family's acquisition of Paramount brought significant changes to the American broadcaster CBS, with personnel shifts in its news division interpreted as aligning with Republican criticisms of mainstream media.

Following Paramount's acquisition by SkyDance Media, CBS underwent a leadership reshuffle, including the appointment of Barry Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. A notable shift in reporting direction has also been observed, such as the exclusion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) content from broadcasts.

While changes like the cancellation of 'The Late Show,' which had been critical of conservative administrations, have occurred, President Trump expressed dissatisfaction after his appearance on '60 Minutes' in October 2025.

In a post on Truth Social on December 16 last year, he stated, "To those who think I am friends with the new owners of CBS, '60 Minutes' treated me worse than ever after the so-called 'takeover.' If they are friends, I dread to think what my enemies are like!"

NNP=Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong, USA / Special assignment by this newspaper NNP info@newsandpost.com