Exclusive | Ex-CNN boss Jeff Zucker wont join Paramount after Skydance merger no room for larger-than-life exec: sources

Ex-CNN boss Jeff Zucker is out of the running for any role at Paramount Global if and when the media giant’s $8 billion merger with Skydance closes — and that includes any possibility of taking the helm of the CBS network, The Post has learned.The disgraced media executive — forced out of the top job at CNN in 2022 over after his romantic relationship with an underling – has been rumored to be in line for a large role at a merged Paramount-Skydance entity, with chatter suggesting a prospective plum job could be helming the Tiffany Network.That’s partly because 59-year-old Zucker has lately been at the media investment arm of Redbird Capital, a buyout fund headed by Gerry Cardinale that is bankrolling the Paramount-Skydance deal.The new conglomerate – which will be home to Paramount Pictures, CBS and the Paramount+ streaming arm – will be run by David Ellison and former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell — also a confidante of Cardinale.Nevertheless, Zucker appears to be on the outside of the deal, sources said — and his “larger-than-life” profile hasn’t helped his case, according to insiders.  “There’s legitimately no role for Jeff, “a source with knowledge said, citing a slew of execs that have been rumored to be tapped to join the combined company. Shell, who was ousted by NBCUniversal in 2023 over allegations of inappropriate conduct with CNBC reporter, will run Skydance as president.

CBS CEO George Cheeks will likely continue to run the TV network.Former Netflix content chief Cindy Holland will head up the streaming arm and Skydance film exec Dana Goldberg will helm the studio.The already stacked deck leaves no role for Zucker, a second source said, adding that anything else would be a “demotion” for the seasoned exec who presided over the news and sports divisions of CNN-parent WarnerMedia from 2019 until 2021. “The Ellison-Redbird contingent have made it clear that there’s no room for his larger-than-life personality,” th...