Skydance Media’s takeover of two major media companies has created unexpected fallout. Another CNN anchor abruptly quit amid a hostile takeover of the network’s news division following a controversial merger. Keep reading for all the details.
Network Faces Mass Exodus After Controversial Merger
Skydance Media purchased Paramount Global in 2025 for $8.4 billion. The merger put CBS under new ownership. Bari Weiss took over as the new editor-in-chief of the network’s news division. Thousands of staffers were laid off after the merger. CBS Evening News anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois resigned and were replaced by Tony Dokoupil.
60 Minutes faced a mass exodus as multiple anchors quit or were fired. The popular news magazine was hit hard by the changes. Viewership is down to record lows. Now, CNN faces a similar fate. Its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, was sold to Paramount Skydance for a shocking $110 billion. Popular anchor Anderson Cooper reportedly threatened to quit if Bari Weiss was given the reins over CNN.
Another CNN Anchor Quits, Shocks Viewers
Bari Weiss’ future involvement with editing CNN has yet to be determined. However, one anchor abruptly quit, leaving viewers shocked and confused. Christiane Amanpour announced earlier this week that she was leaving the network next year after 43 years. Now, another anchor announced her exit after just nine years. Bianna Golodryga, the network’s senior global affairs analyst, revealed an unexpected exit.
“After nine wonderful years at CNN, I’ve decided to leave for an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” she wrote on social media. “I’m grateful for the experiences, friendships and support from fabulous colleagues during my CNN years. Exciting news to share very soon!” Her final appearance was on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Bianna Golodryga didn’t give an explanation for her sudden departure or details on her next move. CNN viewers were in shock by her announcement.
- “Huge loss for CNN!!! Can’t wait to see where you land!! Congrats!!”
- “You are bigger than anything CNN could offer. Continue your stardom.”
- “Wow. Everyone is leaving CNN.”
- “Looking forward to hearing what you’ll do next”
- “Excited to hear about your move but sad this part is ending. You were one of the few with a moral compass there.”
- “You have been an amazing resource around the world! We wish you well!!”
- “I remember when you were on ABC News, then shifted to CBS, and then to CNN. Forever a fan of your journalism and look forward to witnessing your future greatness!”
- “That’s sad! I always thought they underused you at CNN.”
Bianna Golodryga’s departure comes just weeks after President Trump banned CNN from the press pool. A judge later overturned the ban. However, many journalists are under attack simply for doing their job. Stay tuned for Bianna’s next move. Where do you think she’ll land next?
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger