Journalist Paula Reid is reportedly leaving CNN to join MS NOW, a decision influenced by concerns surrounding Paramount Skydance's planned acquisition of the network, according to a recent report.
Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Reid chose not to renew her existing contract with CNN, partly due to the perceived uncertainty and potential disarray of the network's upcoming phase.
Concerns Over Future Leadership and Direction
The decision by Reid was reportedly prompted by apprehension regarding Paramount CEO David Ellison potentially assuming control of the network and the prospect of CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss being installed as CNN's new leader.
Paramount has made some indications that it sees Bari Weiss, the editor in chief of CBS News who has generated several public controversies, as the next steward of CNN.
Reid initially became part of CNN in 2021, having previously served as a White House correspondent for CBS News.
An MS NOW spokesperson issued a statement regarding the move, saying, "As a general matter of practice, we don’t comment on personnel matters. As everyone in Washington knows, Paula Reid is an exceptional reporter, and any news organization would be fortunate to showcase her journalism."
CNN, when approached for comment, declined to provide a statement.
Broader Staff Anxieties and Editorial Shifts
Beyond Reid's departure, an additional insider revealed that two primary concerns among CNN staff are "job loss" and "editorial indifference." This source emphasized that the fear of job losses significantly outweighs concerns about editorial direction. Specifically, there is apprehension among CNN employees about a potential "bloodbath" if a merger between CBS News and CNN were to occur.
Other well-known CNN figures have also publicly voiced their disapproval of the merger. In March, journalist Kara Swisher reportedly vowed to leave the network if Ellison took charge.
Veteran CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour also expressed her "concern" in May regarding potential new leadership. She highlighted past issues observed with CBS News' "60 Minutes" anchors as a basis for her apprehension.
I’m concerned based on what’s happened to the other things that he’s taken over already, like CBS News, right? I mean, do I have to list what’s happening there? I mean, hemorrhaging viewers, probably hemorrhaging money, this ideological realignment of CBS and the destruction, potentially, of ‘60 Minutes.’
