CBS News, CNN Staff Concerned Over Netflix Withdrawal From WBD Bid — Reports

WASHINGTON, Feb 27 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) — US streaming service Netflix's decision not to pursue its bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has left some staff at CBS News and CNN concerned about the future as the broadcasters would come under the same ownership, The Guardian reported on Friday, citing employees of both companies.

On Thursday, Netflix refused the deal to acquire WBD after Paramount Skydance Corporation (PSKY) offered a new bid, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported.

The merger would require approval from WBD shareholders and government regulators, amid concerns about possible large-scale job cuts, the newspaper said.

Some CNN employees also fear that Paramount executives seen as friendly towards the administration of US President Donald Trump could shift the network's editorial direction. In particular, staff expressed concern that CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, known for her conservative views, could take control of CNN, the report said.

"[Paramount's chief executive David] Ellison will readily throw the first amendment, CNN's reporters and HBO's film-makers under the bus if they stand in the way of expanding his corporate empire and fattening his pockets," Seth Stern, the chief of advocacy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

WBD is scheduled to hold a global employee meeting on Friday. In a memo, CNN CEO Mark Thompson urged staff not to jump to conclusions about the potential acquisition, the outlet added.

In December, Netflix announced it would acquire Warner Bros for US$83 billion. Shortly thereafter, Paramount Skydance expressed its willingness to acquire Warner Bros on more favourable terms — for US$108 billion, but WBD's board of directors recommended that shareholders reject the offer.

— BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI