Word is that the pending merger between Discovery and WarnerMedia could close by the end of the week and that means that CNN will no longer be run by AT&T.

When that happens, it won’t be long before Chris Licht is installed as the new head of CNN, taking over the role once held by the disgraced Jeff Zucker.

It is expected that there will be a number of changes at CNN as Licht tries to move the network back to focusing more on news and less on opinion.

Many at CNN tell FTVLive they look forward to the “fresh start” while a number of Jeff Zucker’s pets are worried about their future.

Reporter Jon Nicosia, who runs News Cycle Media posted this about CNN media critic and huge Zucker pet Brian Stelter.

Some might think this would mean the end of Stelter’s run at CNN, but that might not be the case. Stelter is said to have recently signed a new deal and has been very busy trying to kiss up to the incoming regime as much as he did to Zucker.

Stelter has also backed way off on criticizing Fox News, which is something that Licht wants everyone at CNN to start doing.

While some think (and some hope) that Stelter might be out at CNN, we believe that will not be the case. Stelter has learned how to play the game and has shown over the years that he can be molded like clay by his bosses.

While John Malone is clearly not a Stelter fan, we expect him to remain at CNN.

As for his minion Oliver Darcy?

Stay tuned.

This also marks the end of the tenure of WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar. Kilar announced that he is leaving the company on Friday.