Why are CNN journalists comfortable with Netflix’s acquisition of the parent company? | information

Despite the concern expressed by most entertainment and media companies regarding Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), employees of the CNN news network, which is affiliated with WBD, feel relieved, according to the American Semaphore website.

The reason for the relief is the failure of Paramount – which competed with Netflix – to acquire the parent company of CNN.

What does Netflix aspire to from buying Warner Brothers?? Other than having the imagination of entire generations, from Harry Potter to Batman and Game of Thrones? 🎬 The deal means that one platform is close to controlling what we watch at home and what is shown on the big screen together. Tomorrow may not be the end of cinema, but it is certainly the beginning of a new era…

– Al Jazeera Documentary (@AljazeeraDoc) December 7, 2025

Concern faded from Ellison’s control and Weiss’ management

Paramount, owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, an ally of US President Donald Trump, had aggressively sought to acquire WBD, and revealed its intention to merge the CBS and CNN networks, which will likely lead to staff reductions and major changes.

As federal regulators consider Netflix’s acquisition of WBD’s studio and streaming business, WBD will spin off its cable TV assets, including CNN, into a new company called Discovery Global, by next year.

CNN employees remain concerned in the long and medium term, as TV viewership continues to decline rapidly, and the separate network could be sold. However, some insiders said news of the deal was generally met with relief.

In a letter to employees on Friday, Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN, said that the separation will enable the network to continue implementing its strategy to ensure a good future for it by successfully managing the digital transition, noting that the head of the newly separated company, Gunnar Weidenfels, agreed to increase investment in the network, and promised editorial independence.

“Of course, I cannot promise that the media interest and hype around the sale of our parent company will fade away overnight, but I believe the path to the successful transformation of this great news organization remains open,” Thompson said.

A disappointment for the efforts of Trump’s ally

Senior White House officials discussed internally last month their support for the idea of ​​Paramount Sky Dance, controlled by Larry Ellison, acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery.

The British newspaper The Guardian said that Ellison often talks to his acquaintances in the White House, and indicated that at least one phone call was made in which it was indicated that some CNN presenters whom Trump is said to hate could be dismissed, including Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar.

The Nieman Journalism Lab described the White House’s negotiation of the firing of certain CNN presenters with the billionaire who the Trump government would have to approve of its purchase of the network, as extremely immoral and dangerous.

According to the newspaper, the conversation also touched on potential names to replace Burnett, and also discussed the possibility of broadcasting CBS programs such as the famous “60 Minutes” program on CNN. These are proposals that aroused the interest of the White House, according to the Guardian.

In a previous report, The Washington Post reported that President Trump’s ally, businessman Larry Ellison, and his son David are seeking to build an unprecedented media empire, which may reflect on the independence of the American press, due to the conservative political orientation of that family.

The Ellison family’s holdings combine Hollywood with traditional media such as CBS News, and soon a stake in the TikTok platform.