Full Breakdown
Kara Swisher Vows to Exit CNN if Ellison-Led Paramount Skydance Takes Over
6/17/2026, 8:16:38 PM
The Immediate Decision
On a June 17 episode of her “Pivot” podcast, CNN contributor Kara Swisher told co-host Scott Galloway she will leave the network “as soon as I can” if the Ellison family’s Paramount Skydance completes its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent. Swisher said she does not want to work for “the Ellisons” or their “handpicked minions” because she finds them incompetent and untrustworthy, and she hopes to be released from her contract early.
Background: The $111 Billion Merger
Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison, announced a $111 billion purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery on June 12. The U.S. Department of Justice cleared the deal, stating it is unlikely to harm competition. Approval from the European Union and United Kingdom remains pending, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta has opened a separate investigation that could block the transaction.
Key Figures
Key figures include Kara Swisher, veteran tech journalist and CNN contributor; David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance; his father Larry Ellison, Oracle co-founder; Scott Galloway, co-host of Pivot; Mark Thompson, CNN president; and Bari Weiss, former CBS News editor.
Data & Statistics
The deal is valued at $111 billion; the DOJ approved it on June 12, 2026; Swisher’s CNN contract runs through the end of 2026; she previously left James Murdoch’s organization.
Official Statements & Responses
The DOJ said the merger “probably wouldn’t harm industry competition or negatively affect consumers.” Paramount Skydance declined comment. EU and UK regulators have not decided, and California AG Rob Bonta’s investigation continues.
Criticism & Opposition
Swisher’s remarks reflect staff anxiety, with reports of “panicking” over possible editorial changes. Critics warn of “improper political meddling” by the “Trump-friendly” Ellisons, contrasting the DOJ’s view.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The DOJ clearance leaves pending EU/UK approvals and a California AG probe, creating uncertainty. No timeline exists for whether Mark Thompson or Bari Weiss will lead CNN’s editorial direction. Sources differ on the Murdoch figure Swisher referenced—some name James Murdoch, another cites Rupert Murdoch.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m leaving as soon as I can.” — Kara Swisher, CNN contributor
- “I don’t want to work for the Ellisons and I don’t want to work for their handpicked minions because I think they’re incompetent.” — Kara Swisher
- “I just don’t see any way that these people make good decisions and I don’t trust them. That’s it.” — Kara Swisher
- “I just don’t, I don’t want to, I don’t want to work for tech people.” — Kara Swisher
What’s Next
The merger’s fate now hinges on EU, UK and California regulatory outcomes. If approved, Swisher may seek early termination of her contract, while CNN staff await clarification on editorial leadership. The situation remains fluid, with potential legal challenges and further public statements expected.
