Jane Fonda Satirizes CNN’s Future Under Paramount in Viral Political Sketch

Jane Fonda’s Committee for the First Amendment released a political sketch on Monday satirically imagining what CNN might look like if Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery goes through. The video, titled a “Pete Hegseth’s dream,” features Fonda alongside actors Harry Hamlin, Natalie Morales, Khary Payton, Milana Vayntrub, and Mary Elizabeth Ellis.

The sketch, shared on the committee’s Instagram page, depicts Fonda as the sole anchor of a CNN-like network rebranded as “Paramount News.” In the dystopian scenario, she refuses to comply with Trump-friendly corporate scripts. Protests in the streets are repackaged as “parties,” while Payton’s weatherman cheerfully reports on global warming with the line, “The globe is getting warmer, and who doesn’t love warm weather?” Vayntrub’s financial reporter declares, “The economy is great,” as Fonda’s increasingly frustrated anchor exclaims, “This is insane! What has happened to this network?”

Fonda’s character escalates into a rant, only to be interrupted by Ellis, who rolls her away and takes her seat, mocking, “Angry women! So unattractive!”

“Is this what the Trump Administration means when they say the sooner David Ellison owns CNN, the better?”
— Committee for the First Amendment, in the sketch’s Instagram caption

The caption continues: “Here’s the thing: The Paramount-WBD merger is NOT a done deal. More than 4,000 creatives and industry workers have signed on to oppose it, and State AGs are investigating and could sue to block it.” It concludes with: “This is Pete Hegseth’s dream for CNN — and join us in saying: HELL NO.”

The video’s release coincides with growing concerns in Hollywood about the implications of David Ellison’s Paramount acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. Critics worry not only about CNN’s editorial independence but also about the fate of Warner Bros.’ film and TV assets, including the iconic studio lot and vast content library.

Last week, over 2,000 entertainment industry figures signed an open letter opposing the potential merger. Signatories include Pedro Pascal, Florence Pugh, Edward Norton, J.J. Abrams, David Fincher, Jason Bateman, Kristen Stewart, Emma Thompson, Damon Lindelof, Noah Wyle, and Denis Villeneuve, among others.

“We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good. The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement.”
— Open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger

The letter adds: “This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape. The result will be fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across the production ecosystem, higher costs, and less choice for audiences in the United States and around the world.”