Skydance President: We do not interfere in CNN's editorial affairs

Before the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday morning, Skydance CEO David Ellison and co-CEO Winnon Kriz appeared in a joint interview on CNBC to talk about Skydance Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and the merger of the two companies under the name "Skydance."

CNBC anchor David Faber asked officials about the possible merger of CNN from the WBD Group with CBS News from the Paramount Group, adding: “There has to be some cost savings in this case, right?”

"Well, actually, it's not about cost savings in this case," Kriz responded, describing the news operations running in "parallel" as "two separate companies."

“We are very fortunate to have successful, well-established and highly regarded brands in the news space,” Kriz added.

In non-news related public statements, Ellison noted that there would be “operational efficiencies” across the company, and said: “We are 100% confident in our estimate of $6 billion in synergistic savings.”

Faber then moved on to talk about CNN and asked about Ellison's decision to keep Mark Thompson as president of CNN. The move puts an end to months of speculation that CBS News editor-in-chief Barry Weiss would take a position at CNN once Ellison takes the reins at Warner Bros. Discovery.

"He's done a great job," Ellison said of Thompson. "And we too, given everything everyone's been through, want stability. We believe in editorial independence in news organizations, we see CNN as a premium brand, and we believe CBS News is a premium brand."

“CBS News under Barry Weiss has changed its approach somewhat,” Faber asked. “Do you expect similar steps from CNN?”

"Right now, I'd say you can talk to Mark," Ellison replied. "The company does not get involved in editorial matters. So, again, this is up to Mark and Barry to discuss, but we will support them."