Skydance CEO pledges editorial independence as CNN joins new merger

David Ellison, chief executive of Skydance, addressed employees at a town-hall meeting following the merger of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount that created the new Skydance-Warner entity. He said the combined firm will respect CNN’s editorial independence and will not influence its news reporting.

Ellison reiterated his support for CNN’s legal action seeking to restore White House access, stating, "> Of course," when asked if he stands with the network’s effort. He also expressed confidence in the leadership of CNN chairman Mark Thompson, noting, "> We trust Mark, we trust the team."

During the session, Ellison outlined a vision of leveraging the merged company’s studios, franchises, libraries and talent to compete globally and to expand CNN’s digital reach, citing an internal estimate of more than 200 million streaming subscribers. He highlighted the role of fact-based journalism in a functioning republic, referencing former President Obama’s comments on the importance of shared facts.

The meeting also touched on potential future integration between CBS News and CNN, with Ellison indicating that decisions on such matters would be considered within the first 120 days after the merger. The next hearing in the lawsuit over White House access is scheduled for Thursday morning.