CNN Anchors Solidify Contracts Ahead of Paramount Deal

CNN secures primetime anchors Abby Phillip, Anderson Cooper, and Kaitlan Collins, amidst Paramount’s impending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Executives at Paramount Skydance are preparing for a significant acquisition, having agreed to pay billions to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. As the media landscape shifts, Paramount faces challenges in introducing its vision at CNN.

Recently, CNN finalized a new contract with Abby Phillip, host of the late-night roundtable show “NewsNight.” This deal confirms that the trio of anchors at the network’s prime-time lineup will remain intact for the foreseeable future. Anderson Cooper, who leads the 8 p.m. segment, renewed his terms last year, while Kaitlan Collins, host of “The Source” at 9 p.m., still has a few years remaining on her contract. Phillip is the last of this trio to solidify her deal at CNN.

A spokesperson for CNN has clarified that the network typically does not disclose contract details involving talent. While negotiations appear to have occurred individually for each anchor as their contracts became due, this may not have been a strategic decision aimed at stalling the plans of the impending new owner.

The existing contracts could complicate matters for Paramount if it intends to reshape CNN’s programming or alter its anchor lineup. Although reassigning an anchor is certainly feasible—such as when Don Lemon was moved from his late-night position to an unsuccessful morning-show format in 2022—the new contracts offer required financial guarantees for the anchors in the face of changes.

As the acquisition progresses, anxiety has been palpable among CNN staff members. There are concerns that Paramount’s CEO David Ellison might assign oversight of CNN to Bari Weiss, a digital entrepreneur known for her controversial leadership as the editor in chief of CBS News. Her tenure has faced criticism, particularly during a period that saw the dismissal of key producers and correspondents at the esteemed magazine “60 Minutes.” Staff fears intensify around the notion that the acquisition might lead to changes viewed as politically motivated, especially regarding oversight by the Trump administration.

Internally, many CNN employees express apprehension that Paramount’s executives either lack understanding or are indifferent to the realities of effectively managing the prominent news outlet for both profits and a sustainable future.

As the midterm elections approach, all three anchors are expected to take on additional responsibilities beyond their usual evening slots. Cooper extends his role into Sundays with “The Whole Story,” a deeper dive into pressing issues, while also hosting a podcast that explores themes of grief. Collins, besides her prime-time hosting duties, has taken on the role of CNN’s chief White House correspondent. Phillip adds to her busy schedule a Saturday morning program called “Table for Five,” also formatted as a roundtable discussion. Additionally, Phillip has ventured into the digital space, hosting the series “Confessions and Obsessions,” focusing on guest interests rather than political views.

With Phillip’s recent renewal, CNN seems poised to rely on this trio as the midterm elections draw closer. Historical patterns suggest that such pivotal races often attract new audiences to news networks. Notably, CNN’s ad revenue is projected to rise by approximately 4%, reaching $510.4 million in 2026, an increase from $489.8 million in 2025, as reported by Kagan, a market-research branch of S&P Global Intelligence.