US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for CNN to be sold to new owners as part of the Warner Bros Discovery sale. Trump, who has had a long-standing feud with the news outlet, stated that he wants to ensure CNN’s ownership is changed, either through a sale or as part of a larger deal. This comes as Warner Bros Discovery is at the center of a bidding war between Paramount, led by CEO David Ellison, and streaming giant Netflix.
The two bidders have proposed different plans for CNN’s future. Under Paramount’s offer, CNN would become part of the Ellison’s portfolio, while Netflix’s deal would involve selling off CNN and other cable news properties separately before completing the sale of Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming operations. Trump has indicated that he would be involved in the government’s decision to approve the deal, rather than leaving it to the Department of Justice.
Trump’s comments suggest that he favors a change in CNN’s ownership, citing his dissatisfaction with the current management. He has previously labeled CNN and other major news organizations as “fake news” and has repeatedly attacked them on social media. The US president’s insistence on CNN’s sale appears to favor the Paramount bid, although the Netflix deal would also involve selling off the news network to a new buyer.
The bidding war for Warner Bros Discovery has seen both Paramount and Netflix lobby the White House and Trump directly for support. Trump has described both companies as “good companies,” but his relationship with CNN and other major news organizations has been hostile. The outcome of the bidding war and the future of CNN’s ownership remain uncertain, with significant implications for the media landscape.
In recent months, Paramount has made notable changes, including the appointment of journalist Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. Weiss has been a prominent critic of perceived bias in mainstream media, and her appointment was praised by conservatives. However, Trump has also criticized Paramount and its CEO, David Ellison, for allowing an interview with Marjorie Taylor Greene, a political ally-turned-critic.
The Warner Bros Discovery sale and the future of CNN’s ownership will likely continue to be closely watched, given the significant implications for the media industry and the potential impact on the political landscape. As the bidding war continues, the involvement of major players and the potential for further developments will be closely monitored by industry observers and the public alike.
