Poynter is reporting on the ongoing speculation surrounding the future of CNN as Paramount finalizes its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company. New York magazine's Tom Kludt writes that CNN staffers are concerned programming and personnel changes could be influenced by politics, given Paramount CEO David Ellison's and his father Larry's ties to President Donald Trump. Kludt also states that CNN boss Mark Thompson aims to remain in his position and has emphasized the network's commitment to "credibility and trustworthiness," cautioning against significant disruptions to its brand. Variety's Brian Steinberg reported on staff fears of a potential Bari Weiss takeover. CNN's Brian Stelter noted that the news organization has historically maintained stability through various mergers and that journalists value this consistency.
Poynter is also reporting that MS NOW stands by its story regarding President Trump's decision to switch from his new Qatari-gifted Air Force One to the older model for his flight from the NATO summit. MS NOW's Carol Leonnig, Priya Sridhar, and Ken Dilanian reported that two former national security officials indicated the new aircraft lacked the necessary secure communications and military defenses for a rapidly escalating conflict with Iran. White House communications director Steven Cheung, whose statement was included in the MS NOW story, later tweeted that the reporting was "Fake News" and called Leonnig a "liar." The New York Times also reported on the aircraft switch, citing anonymous sources who said it was a precautionary measure advised by the Secret Service.
Additionally, Poynter is reporting that the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal faces significant legal challenges. Status' Jon Passantino writes that a coalition of states, led by California and New York, is preparing to sue to block the merger. Oregon's attorney general has also requested a court halt the deal to investigate Paramount's lobbying of the Trump administration, and the U.K.'s media regulator expressed concerns about the plurality of news media views if the merger proceeds.
Poynter is promoting an upcoming AI x Journalism Forum in Los Angeles, organized by Hacks/Hackers in partnership with Arizona State University's Narrative and Emerging Media program. The forum will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming visual storytelling, bringing together visual journalists, technologists, artists, and ethics experts for hands-on sessions and discussions on practical frameworks for journalism.