Kara Swisher Takes Aim at Ellison Family, Threatens Exit from CNN: 'I Refuse to Work for You'

“I’m not working for you hacks,” declared tech journalist Kara Swisher during a recent event at Syracuse University, where she made it clear that her tenure at CNN hangs in the balance. The stakes? A potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison, a figure she openly criticized.

Swisher, who has contributed to CNN since 2023, voiced her concerns about the influence of technology billionaires on media ownership. “The purchasing of media by technology billionaires is a significant threat,” she interjected while discussing the challenges facing journalism today, alongside moderator Margaret Talev.

The merger between Skydance and Paramount has already resulted in layoffs and a backlash against CBS, raising alarms about the future of journalistic integrity under Ellison’s leadership. “Scott, good move,” she remarked to Scott MacFarlane, a former CBS employee who left after Ellison's takeover. “You don’t want to work for the Ellisons. I’ve spent time with Larry Ellison, and he’s a terrible person.”

In December, during her “Pivot” podcast, Swisher had hinted at her departure from CNN should the merger proceed. On Monday, she elaborated on her stance: “I don’t think they’ll be good owners. They’ve shown a lack of interest in journalism through their editorial choices.”

Swisher emphasized her refusal to align with any organization that disrespects journalists. Despite David Ellison’s assurances that CNN’s editorial independence would remain intact post-acquisition, Swisher remains skeptical. “They’ve been calling and doing a lot of friendly friendly,” she noted regarding attempts to retain her after the merger, but her distrust runs deep.

“I’ve created my own media organization where I make a lot of money,” she explained, asserting that this independence allows her to stand firm against the Ellisons. “It’s just not worth it to me.”

Swisher pointed out the declining television audience trends, gesturing downward to illustrate viewership drops while indicating an aging demographic with an upward motion. Her “Pivot” podcast reportedly attracts more listeners aged 25 to 45 than all cable networks during primetime.

“You have to be an entrepreneur in media today,” she stated, highlighting the need for adaptability in a changing landscape. “It’s a business just like show business — and it’s declining in the way it has been presented.”

For those interested in the full conversation, it is available on C-SPAN’s YouTube channel.