Kara Swisher wants out of CNN following Paramount Skydance’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The media personality has repeatedly said she wouldn’t work for Larry and David Ellison.
What We Know: Kara Swisher asked her agent to seek an early release from her CNN contract after Paramount Skydance cleared a major hurdle toward acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. Swisher made the comments Tuesday on the Pivot podcast with Scott Galloway. She has repeatedly stated that she wouldn’t work for Paramount Skydance’s principal owners, Larry and David Ellison. Her current CNN contract runs through December 31, according to Swisher. Earlier this week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Paramount Skydance and 11 other states that clears a path for the $111 billion acquisition to proceed, pending court approval.
What They Said: “In any case, no, my contract, just literally reading my contract today. As you might imagine, when this news struck, I threatened to leave. And I have asked my agent to get me out of my contract. It ends December 31st. It’s only a few months, right? I just can’t. I was trying to figure out ways I could work with them in some like licensing way. But then I thought, ‘(Expletive) these guys. I don’t want to work for them. I just don’t.’” -Kara Swisher
What Remains Unclear: Swisher hasn’t said whether CNN or Paramount Skydance will agree to release her before her contract expires. Likewise, it’s unclear whether she’ll remain associated with CNN through the end of the year or depart sooner if the parties reach an agreement.
What It Means: Swisher’s comments add another public example of talent uncertainty surrounding the pending Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery combination. Meanwhile, the companies still face the final steps needed to complete the transaction, while CNN will operate under the future ownership structure established by the merger.
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