Internal emotions at CNN are running high as staffers report a 'horrific' mood amidst increasing uncertainty over the network's potential takeover by Paramount's David Ellison. Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, is said to be preparing to hand control to Paramount, following a recent bid that Netflix backed out of, raising concerns about Ellison's leadership and its possible impact on journalism at the network. Insiders describe a workplace atmosphere filled with despair, apprehension, and curiosity about the future.

The situation at CNN reflects a broader concern within media organizations about ownership changes, particularly those that could influence editorial direction. Ellison has been a controversial figure, having ties to more conservative elements in media, which makes staffers worried about the impact of his leadership on CNN's traditional journalistic values. Insider comments highlight the toll that ongoing mergers and shifts in ownership have taken on employees, who have witnessed several transformations over the last decade.

As uncertainty looms, the implications of such a takeover could extend beyond merely operational changes; they might significantly alter the network's identity and relationship with its audience. This chronic anxiety points to the vulnerabilities in the media industry, where personnel often feel at the mercy of corporate decisions that prioritize profit over journalistic integrity. As CNN's future remains in flux, employees brace themselves for what could be a pivotal moment in the network's history.