Veteran CNN correspondent Paula Reid has landed a major new job at rival network MS NOW, taking over as its chief White House reporter after leaving CNN amid uncertainty surrounding the network’s new corporate ownership.
Reid, who previously served as CNN’s chief legal affairs correspondent, officially joins MS NOW on Thursday, according to TheWrap.
The move puts the longtime Washington journalist back on the White House beat as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to dominate the political news cycle.
MS NOW Washington bureau chief Sudeep Reddy announced the hiring in an internal memo, emphasizing Reid’s experience covering federal investigations and presidential administrations.
“Paula will bring her deep experience to covering the administration, serve as a key reporting voice across MS NOW’s Washington Bureau, and help drive our newsroom’s investigative and enterprise journalism,” Reddy wrote.
Reid’s arrival comes months after reports surfaced that she had rejected a lucrative contract extension from CNN.
The Status newsletter first reported her planned departure over the summer, citing concerns she had privately expressed about the network’s future following Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
One particular source of uncertainty reportedly involved CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and speculation that she could eventually assume editorial authority over CNN.
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Reid’s departure came despite CNN’s efforts to retain her, suggesting the veteran correspondent was prepared to pursue opportunities elsewhere rather than remain through the corporate transition.
However, subsequent developments have complicated earlier speculation about CNN’s leadership.
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Skydance CEO David Ellison has reportedly asked CNN chief Mark Thompson to remain in his position following the company’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Ellison wanted Thompson to continue leading the network, while The New York Times subsequently reported that the CNN executive could remain in charge for at least another year.
Weiss, meanwhile, is not currently expected to receive editorial or operational control over CNN.
Those developments suggest that the network’s immediate leadership structure may remain largely intact, even as its long-term direction continues to attract attention.
For Reid, the move represents a return to familiar territory.
Before joining CNN in 2021, she spent more than a decade at CBS News, where she covered the Justice Department and the White House.
Her reporting career included questioning Donald Trump during his first administration, giving her extensive experience covering the president and his relationship with the Washington press corps.
At CNN, Reid became a prominent voice on federal investigations, legal controversies and major developments involving the Justice Department.
She was promoted to chief legal affairs correspondent in 2023, cementing her position as one of the network’s leading reporters on high-profile legal matters.
Her departure marks another significant personnel change for CNN as the cable news giant adjusts to its new ownership.
Meanwhile, MS NOW is working to strengthen its Washington operation following its separation from NBC News.
The network, previously known as MSNBC, has been expanding its independent news-gathering capabilities as it establishes a newsroom separate from its former corporate partner.
Bringing in a seasoned CNN journalist to lead White House coverage represents a notable addition to that effort.
Variety had previously reported that Reid was expected to join MS NOW, but Thursday’s announcement confirms her new position and responsibilities.
The hiring also places Reid at a network known for its liberal-leaning political commentary and frequent criticism of Trump, although her new assignment is focused on White House reporting.
With the president’s second administration generating a steady stream of political and legal developments, Reid will now serve as one of MS NOW’s primary journalists covering the White House.
Her move comes as both networks navigate significant changes, with CNN operating under new ownership and MS NOW building its independent Washington bureau.
Reid begins her new position Thursday, returning to presidential coverage after five years at CNN.
