An article summarized by Axios:
Paramount has begun preliminary discussions with several high-profile media executives as it searches for a business-side leader to work alongside Bari Weiss. The role would oversee business operations across news divisions and could become especially significant if the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is approved. In that scenario, Weiss would reportedly oversee editorial operations across both CBS News and CNN, while the new executive would handle the business side.
Executives being considered include Cesar Conde, Mark Thompson, Noah Oppenheim, Ben Sherwood, and David Rhodes. The position would help fill a leadership gap left after former CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon departed prior to the Skydance-Paramount merger process. However, because the merger has not yet been finalized, Paramount executives are currently restricted from discussing roles with Warner Bros. Discovery executives, including Thompson.
The search comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the merger and growing scrutiny of CBS News, particularly its flagship program 60 Minutes. Despite reports suggesting Paramount leadership may seek to limit Weiss’ authority, sources say she retains strong backing from David Ellison and remains central to the company’s news strategy. Regulators are still reviewing the merger, and a group of state attorneys general, including officials from California and New York, are reportedly considering legal action to block the deal. Meanwhile, Paramount’s search for a business counterpart to Weiss continues.
