CNBC vs CNN

CNBC Press Releases: New Media Alert, Transcripts, and Podcast Launch

New press releases include a media alert for 'Inside Man' documentary, transcripts of interviews with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and the launch of the second season of 'CNBC Changemakers with Julia Boorstin' podcast.

Paramount Appoints Mattel CEO as Co-CEO Ahead of Warner Acquisition

Paramount Global has appointed Ynon Kreiz, CEO of Mattel, as co-CEO alongside current CEO David Ellison, effective October 5, 2026. This appointment comes just before the completion of Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, expected to close on October 6, 2026. Kreiz will oversee day-to-day operations and the integration of the two studios, while Ellison will focus on strategy, creative direction, and technology. The merger, valued at over $110 billion, is expected to result in thousands of job cuts, with projected annual synergies of $6 billion within three years. Kreiz previously led a turnaround at Mattel, including job reductions, and is known for orchestrating the successful 'Barbie' movie. The deal faced legal challenges from several states, which were resolved after Paramount committed to increased U.S. production spending and retaining both Los Angeles studio lots. The merger has also raised concerns about CNN's editorial independence given the Ellison family's political ties.

• Ynon Kreiz, CEO of Mattel, will become co-CEO of Paramount on October 5, 2026, alongside David Ellison.
• The Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger is expected to close on October 6, 2026, with a deal value exceeding $110 billion.
• Paramount expects annual synergies of $6 billion within three years from the merger.

CNN Excluded from Traveling with Trump

CNN has been excluded from the TV pool covering President Trump's trip to Tennessee, without explanation. This move escalates Trump's conflict with the media, defying a court order that had restored CNN's White House access. The TV pool, which rotates among major networks, now lists Lindell TV as the pool representative for Saturday. Other pool members showed solidarity by refusing to cover Trump's events, resulting in fewer video images. Legal experts suggest CNN may return to court over this apparent violation of the spirit of the injunction.

• CNN was excluded from the TV pool covering President Trump's trip to Tennessee.
• The exclusion occurred without official explanation and follows a court order that had restored CNN's White House press credentials.
• Lindell TV, a network by pro-Trump entrepreneur Mike Lindell, is listed as the pool representative for Saturday.

US Judge Orders White House to Reinstate Banned Media

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore White House press credentials to journalists from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico. The judge ruled that the revocation, which occurred without due process, violated the First Amendment. The ban was imposed by President Trump last Friday, accusing the outlets of spreading false news. The ruling is effective for 14 days. Trump threatened to extend the ban to other media. The White House press pool, including Fox News, stopped covering the president's events in protest. Other major outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post expressed solidarity.

• Federal judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order requiring the White House to reinstate press credentials for CNN, MSNBC, and Politico.
• The order lasts 14 days, citing lack of constitutional due process.
• President Trump banned the three outlets from the White House on the previous Friday.