Peeling the Layers of CNN News’ Ownership Structure

CNN News, one of the world’s most prominent news networks, has a complex ownership structure that warrants a closer look. Understanding who owns CNN is essential to comprehending its influence and potential biases. Ultimately, the ultimate owner of CNN is AT&T, a multinational telecommunications conglomerate. Let’s delve deeper into the layers of ownership to gain a comprehensive understanding.

CNN’s parent company is Warner Media LLC, which oversees various media entities such as HBO, Otter Media, Warner Brothers, and Turner Broadcasting System. Warner Media, in turn, is owned by AT&T, a telecommunications giant that provides a range of services, including wireless, broadband, and television.

However, it is crucial to note that ownership stakes within AT&T are not evenly distributed. The controlling power lies in the hands of the Murdoch family, who hold 39% of the voting power. The Murdochs are well-known figures in the media industry, with extensive influence over news networks such as Fox News.

It is worth mentioning that John Malone, a highly respected figure in the cable TV business, is a significant billionaire shareholder in AT&T. Malone has a longstanding relationship with David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. Insiders close to both individuals assert that Zaslav’s efforts to reshape CNN stem from his own business and editorial motivations, rather than directives from Malone.

This intricate ownership structure raises questions about the potential impact on CNN’s editorial decisions. Critics argue that media ownership concentration can lead to biases and a lack of diverse perspectives. However, it is essential to recognize that media organizations strive to maintain journalistic integrity and adhere to ethical standards, regardless of ownership dynamics.

AT&T is the ultimate owner of CNN through its subsidiary, Warner Media LLC. While the Murdoch family holds a significant voting power within AT&T, it is David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, who is driving the changes at CNN. Understanding the ownership landscape of CNN provides valuable context for analyzing its news coverage and potential influences on editorial decisions. As readers, it is essential to be aware of these dynamics and critically evaluate the information presented to form our own conclusions.

Who Is The Real Owner Of CNN?

The real owner of CNN is Warner Bros. Discovery, a Manhattan-based media conglomerate. CNN was founded in 1980 by American media proprietor Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld. However, Ted Turner’s ownership of CNN changed over the years. In 1996, Turner Broadcasting System, which included CNN, merged with Time Warner Inc., thus becoming a subsidiary of Time Warner. Time Warner later went through a series of ownership changes and mergers. In 2018, Time Warner was acquired by AT&T Inc. and became WarnerMedia. in 2021, WarnerMedia merged with Discovery, Inc., forming Warner Bros. Discovery, which now owns CNN. It is important to note that Ted Turner is no longer the owner of CNN, as his ownership stake changed hands through various corporate transactions.

CNN 1694679044

Who Owns Fox Corporation And CNN?

Fox Corporation is primarily owned by the Murdoch family, who holds 39% of the voting power. The company’s headquarters are located at 1211 Avenue of the Americas. As of 2021, Fox Corporation had total assets amounting to approximately US$22.93 billion and total equity of around US$11.39 billion. It employs approximately 9,000 individuals as of 2020.

On the other hand, CNN, which stands for Cable News Network, is owned by WarnerMedia, a subsidiary of AT&T. WarnerMedia is a multinational conglomerate that operates various media and entertainment properties. CNN is one of the major news networks in the United States, known for its 24-hour cable news coverage.

What Family Owns CNN?

CNN is owned by Warner Media LLC, which is a subsidiary of AT&T. Warner Media LLC is the parent company of CNN and also owns other prominent media entities such as HBO, Otter Media, Warner Brothers, and Turner Broadcasting System. AT&T is the ultimate owner of CNN through its ownership of Warner Media LLC.

Who Is Trying To Purchase CNN?

As of now, there is no concrete information regarding any specific individual or entity attempting to purchase CNN. However, it is worth noting that there have been rumors in the past about potential buyers expressing interest in the network. These rumors have included speculations about various media companies, wealthy individuals, and even political figures considering the purchase. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that these rumors often lack substantiation and should be treated as speculative until official announcements are made.

In recent years, there have been discussions regarding the potential sale of CNN’s parent company, WarnerMedia, which is owned by AT&T. These discussions emerged due to AT&T’s desire to focus on its core telecommunications business and reduce its debt. However, it is essential to emphasize that any potential sale of CNN or WarnerMedia is purely speculative at this point, and no concrete plans have been officially announced.

While there have been rumors and speculations about potential buyers for CNN, no specific individual or entity has been confirmed as actively attempting to purchase the network. It is crucial to rely on official announcements and reputable sources for accurate information regarding any potential sale of CNN or its parent company, WarnerMedia.

Conclusion

The ownership structure of CNN is quite complex. While Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld founded the network in 1980, it is now ultimately owned by AT&T through its subsidiary Warner Media LLC. Warner Media also owns other prominent media entities such as HBO, Otter Media, Warner Brothers, and Turner Broadcasting System.

It is worth noting that AT&T is a multinational telecommunications conglomerate, and its ownership of CNN falls within its broader media and entertainment portfolio. However, it is important to highlight that the ultimate decision-making power lies with John Malone, a prominent figure in the cable TV industry.

Although Malone holds a significant stake in the parent company of CNN, there is no evidence to suggest that he directly influences the network’s editorial decisions. The recent restructuring and changes within CNN are believed to be driven by the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav, who is focused on both business and editorial reasons.

The ownership of CNN highlights the intricate web of media conglomerates and their interconnections. It is essential to understand the various stakeholders involved in order to analyze the potential influences on the network’s content and direction.

Photo of author

William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.