Kara Swisher’s Strong Stance on CNN and the Potential Paramount Deal
Kara Swisher, a well-known on-air contributor at CNN, has made it clear that she will leave the network if Paramount succeeds in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. In a recent episode of her “Pivot” podcast, she spoke with co-host Scott Galloway about the potential implications of such a merger.
“I’m walking right out of there the day they get there,” Swisher said. “I’m walking, and there’s no way I’m working for these terrible people.” Her comments reflect a strong personal stance against the possible changes that could come with the acquisition.
Swisher also mentioned that Oliver Darcy, who is involved in the deal, had informed her about the potential changes to CNN as part of the agreement. She noted that when Darcy tried to get a comment on this claim, the response was dismissive. “They were like, ‘What are you talking about?’ They didn’t even deny that they were doing that.”
Swisher regularly appears on CNN to provide commentary and analysis, especially on topics related to technology, media, and culture. Her voice has become a familiar one to many viewers, and her recent remarks have sparked significant discussion.
She continued, “We’ll stop CNN from being so mean to you, Mr. President, if you give us [the deal].” This statement highlights her belief that the merger could lead to a shift in CNN’s coverage, which she views as problematic.
Galloway interjected, suggesting that the situation would be different if a previous administration had made similar claims. “Imagine if Obama had said that when Fox was trying to merge with Disney or whatever it was,” he said.
Swisher responded, “Exactly … I’m not going to imagine it, it’s bad. It’s bad now, it’s bad then, it’s bad all the time.” She emphasized that the situation is unacceptable, regardless of the political climate.
She added, “I’m not going to imagine it, it’s bad. It’s bad now, it’s bad then, it’s bad all the time. I mean again, it sort of absolutely solidifies, I’m walking right out of there the day they get there. Like I’m walking, and there’s no way I’m working for these terrible people, but, and I’ve said that on an interview with Rachel Maddow, she was asking me,” Swisher answered.
But money, let’s go to the deal,” she added. “Regardless of what they do with CNN and what they’re doing as heinous, what they’re considering doing as heinous.”
The Role of Donald Trump in the CNN Sale
Donald Trump has expressed his views on the potential sale of CNN. During a press briefing at the White House, he was asked whether CNN should undergo significant changes after Warner Bros. Discovery closes on a merger deal, whether that’s with Netflix or Paramount Skydance.
“I’m not involved in that, I will be probably involved maybe involved in the decision, it depends,” Trump said. “You have some good companies bidding on it. I think the people that have run CNN for the last long period of time are a disgrace. I think it’s imperative that CNN be sold.”
He continued, “Because you certainly wouldn’t want to put, people – just leave those people with some money, good money, at CNN so that they could spend even more money spreading poison. Because it’s lies. It’s a disgrace, so. I wouldn’t want to see the same company end up with CNN, the same company with money. Because right now they don’t have too much money. But their value, I guess, based on the bids, it’s still got value. But I think CNN should be sold because I think the people that are running CNN right now are either corrupt or incompetent.”
Trump’s comments reflect a broader concern about the direction of CNN and its coverage, particularly during his presidency. His stance on the matter has drawn attention from both supporters and critics.
Implications for CNN and Its Future
The potential sale of CNN raises several questions about its future. If Paramount acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, the network could undergo significant changes. Swisher’s comments suggest that she sees this as a threat to the integrity of the network.
Her strong words highlight the tension between media ownership and journalistic independence. As the merger process continues, the impact on CNN’s programming and editorial direction remains uncertain.
The situation underscores the importance of maintaining journalistic standards, even in the face of corporate interests. As the debate over CNN’s future unfolds, the voices of contributors like Swisher will play a critical role in shaping public perception.