Prime CNN Journalist Publicly Threatens To Give up As Community Chaos Deepens
Kara Swisher is drawing a hard line, and it runs straight through CNN’s future ownership.
The veteran tech journalist says she’ll walk away from the network if Paramount Global ends up taking control as part of a massive media shakeup tied to Warner Bros. Discovery.
Speaking at a panel at Syracuse University this week, Swisher tore into Larry Ellison, the billionaire behind the deal, and made clear she wants no part of a newsroom under his influence.
“You don’t want to work for the Ellisons.”
“I’ve spent a lot of time with Larry Ellison and he’s a terrible person,” she claimed.
The proposed $111 billion transaction would fold CNN into a broader media empire and put it under the same umbrella as CBS News, raising fresh concerns about editorial independence and corporate influence — especially given Ellison’s ties to President Donald Trump.
Swisher said the deal isn’t done yet and she’s still hoping it collapses before it crosses the finish line. Ellison is reportedly aiming to close the acquisition by September.
Despite her blunt criticism, Swisher said both Ellison and his son — Paramount CEO David Ellison — have tried to keep her on board at CNN.
Her response: “Too bad. It’s not going to work. It’s not gonna happen for you.”
“I don’t think they’ll be good owners,” she added. “I don’t. I think they’ve already shown several times, including editorial choices.”
Swisher, who joined CNN as a contributor in 2023 and hosts “Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever,” said her opposition isn’t about corporate restructuring or job cuts — it’s about what she sees as a deeper problem.
“They have no interest in journalism,” she said.
“And I refuse to work for an organization that doesn’t respect journalists.”
WATCH:
She acknowledged layoffs are often part of the business reality in media, even recounting her own experience.
“Listen, I got laid off before,” she said. “I think a lot of these legacy organizations have been stubborn in terms of not seeing what’s going on. That’s not my issue. There has to be cuts.
“The costs are out of whack with the audience, right? That’s just the way it is. That’s not how you do it.”
Instead, Swisher said her biggest concern is what she described as Ellison’s attitude toward the profession itself.
“It’s not a way to reform it except for someone who isn’t a journalist. I’m sorry, but there’s no place for me to do that.”
Swisher’s comments about the network and her future came just one day after early morning host Rahel Solomon announced her exit from CNN.
The “Early Start” host dropped the surprise announcement at the end of her 5 a.m. broadcast Monday, telling viewers she’s calling it quits by week’s end.
“I have decided that this will be my last week at CNN. More to come on what’s next for me, but I’m really excited about this next chapter,” Solomon said during the sign-off.
“Thank you to the team at Early Start,” Solomon added. “To the larger team here at CNN – I’m going to be cheering you on. I look forward to watching.”
Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>