Paramount and CNN chief Mark Thompson in early talks to extend his tenure

Paramount Skydance and CNN chief Mark Thompson are in the early stages of talks that could see the executive remain at the helm of the news network, according to a source familiar with the matter. The discussions come as Paramount evaluates how to manage its news assets while pursuing the pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

CNN declined to comment, and Paramount was not immediately reachable for comment. Thompson, whose contract is set to expire in 2027, has reiterated his commitment to preserving CNN’s editorial independence. > "I am enthusiastic about staying," he told employees at a recent town-hall meeting, according to two people with knowledge of the remarks. He added that he does not yet know how Paramount plans to operate its news properties after the Warner Bros. Discovery deal closes.

The company has agreed to establish a board to oversee the independence of its news outlets, a measure included in a settlement with state attorneys general who sought to block the merger. The talks follow earlier reports by the Wall Street Journal about negotiations between Paramount and Thompson.