David Ellison keeps Mark Thompson as CNN chief after Skydance takeover of Paramount is completed

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

David Ellison has decided to keep Mark Thompson on as CNN's chief executive following Skydance's completed takeover of Paramount, bringing to an end months of uncertainty about who would lead the network. Ellison also announced his wider Skydance leadership team as the new chapter at the media giant gets under way. Bari Weiss will continue in her existing role alongside Thompson under the new ownership.

Thompson had come under pressure over CNN's editorial direction amid repeated attacks on the network from President Trump.

Skydance's purchase of Paramount hands Ellison control of one of America's most politically charged news operations.

Retaining both Thompson and Weiss suggests Ellison is choosing continuity over a sweeping editorial overhaul.