Ticker: CBS News’ Charles Forelle Asserts Network’s Editorial Independence

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Top of the Ticker: During the Society of Advancing Business Editing and Writing’s annual conference recently held in Philadelphia, CBS News’ managing editor Charles Forelle stressed to Semafor’s Ben Smith that his network’s editorial independence operates without any owner influence.

“The convention in American journalism is that the owners are independent of the news operation, and that’s the case at CBS News.” Forelle added that Paramount Skydance owner David Ellison made it clear, saying “that would be the case no matter what.”

Forelle’s comments come as Paramount Skydance awaits final regulatory approval for its impending merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN.

Concerns continue to be raised about whether CNN can maintain continued editorial independence under Paramount Skydance ownership.

Upcoming season: During Warner Bros. Discovery’s upfront presentation on Wednesday, CNN revealed its CNN Originals programming slate for 2026-27. Among the highlights are a new season of Eva Longoria: Searching for France; a new food and travel series hosted by acclaimed chef David Chang; and Mind vs/+ Machine: The Human Story of A.I., directed by Steve James. CNN also announced that Have I Got News for You will return for a fifth season on Sept. 12.

Earlier this week, CNN debuted CNN Weather, its inaugural standalone lifestyle product. Now available on the iOS App Store, CNN Weather combines expert-led meteorology and climate expertise with a modern, mobile-first design.

CNN’s first standalone lifestyle product, CNN Weather, is now available for download in the iOS app store in the United States. The app combines expert-led meteorology and climate expertise with a modern, mobile-first design.
Download here: https://t.co/oYHCFfFugo
Read more here:… pic.twitter.com/0JFREHTvmw

— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 12, 2026

Finally, CNN en Español is rebranding its FAST channel to CNN Noticias. The rebrand comes as its audience has doubled, driven in part by sustained engagement around major global breaking news, including coverage of developments in Venezuela, Mexico, and Iran.

America’s 250th: NewsNation is planning to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with two programming initiatives. American Made is a special multi-platform series of stories that will air on Elizabeth Vargas Reports, designed to honor the companies, brands, and corporate executives that define America’s entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the network will premiere a new one-hour multi-platform special documentary, America’s Greatest Sailors: Heroes of the High Seas, hosted by Leland Vittert, airing on Monday, May 25, at 9 p.m. ET.

Revolving Door: NBC News announced that Ashley Etienne is the newest Meet the Press contributor. Etienne, who had also worked for CBS News, was previously the former communications director for Kamala Harris and was Nancy Pelosi‘s senior advisor.

CNN has named Greg Manifold its vp of visuals & design. In this newly created role, Manifold will lead and elevate the network’s visual journalism and design across its daily news coverage, including breaking news, features, and enterprise reporting. He will also have a key voice in shaping CNN’s enhanced visual identity across all platforms. Manifold was previously the head of visuals at The Washington Post.