Paramount Skydance talks with CNN chief Mark Thompson about extending his tenure

Sources say early‑stage discussions could see Thompson remain CEO of CNN beyond his current contract, which runs to 2027.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:58:25 GMT

Paramount Skydance and CNN chief Mark Thompson are in early‑stage talks about extending his leadership of the news network, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

What happened

The discussions began after Paramount Skydance’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Thompson’s current contract runs through 2027, and the talks are described as "very early" with no guarantee of a new agreement. The Wall Street Journal was the first outlet to report the negotiations.

What the reports add

Hollywood Reporter notes that David Ellison, Paramount’s CEO, has spoken directly with Thompson about retaining him and that Thompson wants assurances of autonomy over the global news brand, including editorial matters.
Variety reports that Paramount has agreed to set up an editorial‑independence board for its news properties as part of a settlement with a coalition of state attorneys general seeking stricter media‑independence safeguards.
Both outlets indicate that CNN declined to make executives available for comment and Paramount could not be reached for immediate comment.

What was said

“I am enthusiastic about staying,” Thompson told employees at a recent town‑hall meeting, according to two people familiar with his remarks.

Thompson also said he has no knowledge of how Paramount Skydance intends to run news once the acquisition closes.

Variety also recorded Thompson’s earlier public call for CNN to operate without interference in its editorial mission.

How it came about

The talks follow a series of recent developments surrounding the Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery deal. On September 21, settlement negotiations with state attorneys general stalled, with New York and Connecticut demanding stronger job‑protection and media‑independence guarantees. A week later, Paramount streaming chief Cindy Holland resigned, clearing the way for HBO chairman Casey Bloys to oversee the combined streaming businesses. In late September, CNN journalist Kara Swisher announced she would leave the network once the acquisition closed, citing concerns about the new owners’ editorial direction. These events provide context for Paramount’s emphasis on an independence board and its effort to retain Thompson as a stabilising presence for CNN staff.

Key facts

Paramount Skydance and CNN CEO Mark Thompson are in early‑stage talks about extending his tenure (hollywoodreporter.com)
Thompson’s current contract runs until 2027 (variety.com)
Paramount plans to set up an editorial‑independence board for its news properties (variety.com)
David Ellison has spoken with Thompson about keeping him in charge (hollywoodreporter.com)