Paula Reid, CNN’s Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent, Will Exit

Paula Reid, the chief legal affairs correspondent at CNN, has made the decision to leave the network ahead of an expected takeover by Paramount Skydance. Despite having the option to renew her contract, Reid has chosen to exit due to the uncertainty surrounding CNN’s future under new corporate management. This news was initially reported by Status, a newsletter focused on the media industry.

Since joining CNN after her time at CBS News, Reid has been a prominent figure on the network. She has covered a wide range of topics, including Supreme Court matters, federal and state investigations involving high-ranking officials such as Presidents Biden and Trump. Reid was part of the team that broke the news about Trump discussing a classified document on audio tape after leaving the White House. She has also filled in as a substitute anchor on weekends.

Reid’s departure raises questions about CNN’s future direction as Paramount finalizes its acquisition of the network’s parent company. Journalists at CNN have been concerned about the news operation’s trajectory since Warner Bros. decided to package the entire company for Paramount, rather than selling its streaming and studio assets to Netflix. This move mirrors events at CBS News, which has seen a decline in ratings and credibility under the leadership of Bari Weiss.

With her extensive experience at CBS News, Reid is well-connected in the industry. She worked at CBS for nearly a decade, covering a range of topics including the U.S. Department of Justice, the White House, and federal law enforcement. She led the network’s coverage of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the Mueller probe.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Reid may have opportunities in the “creator media” field or receive new offers once she is free from her current contract at CNN. Regardless of her next career move, Reid’s success may pave the way for others at the network to follow suit.