CNN is heading into an uncertain future with its parent company Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) destined for a takeover – and US President Donald Trump hoping the change will allow him to influence the iconic news network’s programming.
WBD has urged shareholders to reject a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, in favour of a deal offered by streaming giant Netflix.
Paramount’s CEO David Ellison – whose father is Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a close Trump ally – has assured the US president that he would retool CNN’s editorial stance and lineup if his bid were successful, The Wall Street Journal reported.
That could put on-air talent such as Kaitlan Collins and Jake Tapper, who have both drawn Trump’s ire, in jeopardy.
And Trump appears ready to use the situation to his advantage, saying openly that he…