Status | Media News & Analysis

Ellison’s Foreign Funding Furor

While David Ellison is vowing to protect CNN’s independence as he prepares to take over Warner Bros. Discovery, Democratic senators are raising fresh concerns to Status about Paramount’s expected use of foreign money in the deal.

MacFarlane's CBS Verdict

Mar 9, 2026

CBS’ Mamdani Mania

Mar 8, 2026

Nexstarving for Trump’s Approval

Mar 7, 2026

HBO’s Next Cliffhanger

Mar 6, 2026

Ellison’s CNN Platitudes

Mar 5, 2026

Hard-hitting reporting. Uncompromising analysis. Zero spin. Status is the definitive nightly briefing that cuts through the noise to inform readers about what is really happening in the corridors of media power.

Below the Fold

Trump's Troubling RSVP

While the WHCA publicly welcomed Trump’s decision to attend this year’s dinner, inside the organization, correspondents reacted with a mix of curiosity and dread—with several telling Status the concessions made the press corps look “pathetic and weak.”

Bari’s Steele Attempt

As CBS News plots the future of its morning show, Bari Weiss floated the idea of bringing former ESPN anchor turned Donald Trump supporter Sage Steele into the mix, Status has learned.

CNN’s Cosplaying Correspondent

Scott Jennings pushed a dubious White House talking point on Iran to millions, only for CNN’s actual reporters to knock it down—an episode that drew blowback inside the network, Status has learned.

The Trouble Covering Tehran

As U.S. and Israeli forces launch deadly strikes on Iran, the inherent challenges of covering the country are exacerbated by recent newsroom cuts, social media distortion, and a White House prone to telling lies.

MAGA’s Midnight War

After years of branding Donald Trump as the anti-war “peace president,” much of MAGA Media erupted in cheers as he launched an unauthorized war on Iran—though not everyone is happy.

Paramount-WBD’s Human Toll

As David Ellison moves to take control of Warners, Hollywood is already sounding the alarm on the thousands of jobs set to be eliminated in what insiders tell Status would be “cutting to the bone.”

CNN Braces for Ellison's Control

With David Ellison poised to take control of Warner Bros. Discovery, a chill has settled over CNN as staffers fear for the future. "The panic at CNN right now is off the charts," an insider tells Status.

POLITICO’s Baton Pass

Axel Springer is closing in on POLITICO’s next editor-in-chief, as staffers brace for how John Harris’ successor could steer the publication’s next chapter.

Weiss’ Recruiting Woes

As Bari Weiss works to put her stamp on CBS News, her aggressive recruiting push is running up against a difficult reality: top talent keeps turning her down.