Paramount chief executive David Ellison has discussed keeping CNN CEO Mark Thompson in place after the company completes its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Thompson's contract expires early next year, and no agreement has been reached on an extension; he is seeking assurances of broad editorial autonomy. Paramount is not expected to place CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss in a CNN role or appoint one news executive to oversee both organizations. A federal judge approved a settlement with 12 state attorneys general that clears the transaction for an expected Oct. 6 close. The $81 billion acquisition will give Paramount Warner Bros.' studio, HBO and cable assets including CNN, while requiring the combined company to form a five-journalist board to protect editorial independence at CNN and CBS News.