CNN boss Mark Thompson is staying on in the David Ellison era. Read his memo to staffers.

Mark Thompson told CNN staff on Monday that he will stay with the network. He has led CNN since October 2023 and will serve as chairman and editor-in-chief.

In a staff memo, Thompson said Paramount Skydance leaders view news as an important opportunity alongside entertainment. He also said they were enthusiastic about CNN’s digital strategy.

The network’s independence drew political scrutiny before Paramount’s $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Critics worried David Ellison and his father, Larry, might influence CNN’s coverage in favor of President Trump; Ellison has broadly rejected claims that he intends to interfere in newsrooms.

Thompson previously cautioned employees against assuming CNN would merge with CBS News. The new company will also include major film studios, HBO and several streaming and cable services.

Paramount has said it expects the deal to close Tuesday. The article does not specify what changes, if any, the merger will bring to CNN’s editorial operations.