Paula Reid is making significant moves at CNN.
The chief legal affairs correspondent at the Warner Bros. Discovery-supported outlet has opted to depart prior to an anticipated acquisition by Paramount Skydance, according to two individuals familiar with the situation. Despite having the opportunity to renew her contract, Reid chose to leave, these sources indicate, due to uncertainties about continuing at CNN under a new corporate structure.
Status, a newsletter focusing on the media industry, had earlier reported on Reid’s planned departure from CNN. CNN has not commented on Reid’s decision to leave.
Since her transition from CBS News to CNN, Reid has been a prominent figure. She has been frequently appearing on the network to cover Supreme Court issues and federal and state investigations involving high-profile figures such as President Biden and President Trump. Reid contributed to a team that revealed an audio tape of Trump discussing a classified document he retained after his White House tenure. Additionally, she has occasionally served as a substitute anchor, especially over weekends.
Reid’s departure might prompt questions about CNN’s future direction as Paramount moves to complete its acquisition of the network’s parent company. Many journalists at the organization have expressed concern about the news division’s future, especially after Warner’s decision to retract a sale of its streaming and studio assets to Netflix, choosing instead to sell to Paramount. Reporters are closely observing developments at CBS News, which is currently managed by Bari Weiss and has faced declining ratings and credibility issues at “CBS Evening News” and “CBS Mornings,” along with the departure of notable anchors and executives—some voluntarily, others due to corporate cutbacks.
Reid is likely to have connections at CBS News, where she worked for nearly a decade starting in 2010, eventually becoming a White House correspondent in 2019. Prior to that, she covered the U.S. Department of Justice, the White House, and federal law enforcement stories. She also led CBS News’ coverage of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and significant developments related to the Mueller investigation.
In a time when journalists with specialized expertise are increasingly launching their own digital projects, Reid may have opportunities in the “creator media” sector. Alternatively, she might find new job offers more accessible once she is released from her CNN contract. Regardless of her next career move, Reid could pave a path that others at the network might aspire to follow.
