CNN’s future unclear as Trump applies pressure

CNN is heading into an uncertain future with its parent company Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) destined for a takeover -- and US President Donald Trump hoping the change will allow him to influence the iconic news network's programming.

WBD has urged shareholders to reject a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, in favor of a deal offered by streaming giant Netflix.

Paramount's CEO David Ellison -- whose father is Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a close Trump ally -- has assured the US president that he would retool CNN's editorial stance and lineup if his bid were successful, The Wall Street Journal reported.