Press Freedom Groups Warn Larry Ellison May Fire CNN Anchors Aligned with Trump's Preferences

Press Groups Demand Transparency Over Alleged Trump-Aligned Media Strategy

Two prominent press freedom organizations have raised serious concerns about potential interference in CNN’s editorial independence under new ownership. In a letter sent Thursday to Paramount Skydance, the Freedom of the Press Foundation and Reporters Without Borders demanded access to internal documents.

The groups allege a corrupt exchange may have occurred, stating there is "credible concern that Paramount leadership has offered, solicited, or effectuated a corrupt exchange: more favorable coverage of the Trump administration and its allies in exchange for favorable treatment by Trump administration antitrust and media regulators."

Ellison’s Alleged Promise to Reshape CNN

The letter warns that since acquiring Paramount, Larry Ellison has used the company to "benefit Trump and cater to his preferences." It cites a November report from The Guardian claiming Ellison discussed including CNN in the Paramount acquisition and then implementing a CBS-style restructuring—specifically, firing anchors and commentators Trump dislikes.

The CBS playbook reference stems from recent upheaval at CBS News following Ellison’s takeover and the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. The changes have triggered a talent exodus, including:

• Anderson Cooper, longtime CNN anchor
• Bill Owens, executive producer of 60 Minutes
• Mary Walsh, CBS News producer
• Alicia Hastey, producer for CBS Evening News
• Sharyn Alfonsi, 60 Minutes host (set to exit by May 31)

These departures follow clashes with Weiss, who has faced criticism for her editorial approach.

Trump’s Longstanding Criticism of CNN

President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked CNN, labeling the network as "fake news" and targeting its journalists. The alleged strategy at CBS and potential future moves at CNN suggest a pattern of aligning media coverage with political preferences, raising concerns about press freedom and editorial independence.

"There is credible concern that Paramount leadership has offered, solicited, or effectuated a corrupt exchange: more favorable coverage of the Trump administration and its allies in exchange for favorable treatment by Trump administration antitrust and media regulators."

The press freedom groups have called for transparency to ensure that media ownership does not compromise journalistic integrity.