Opposition to Potential Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

A proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery is encountering pushback from Senator Elizabeth Warren and the Writers Guild of America. They argue that this partnership would lead to the consolidation of significant news and entertainment outlets under one corporate entity.

On November 15, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) criticized the merger, labeling it a “terrible deal” that could unify numerous major news and entertainment organizations under one roof.

The deal, if successful, would see CNN—currently owned by Warner Bros. Discovery—fall under the leadership of Paramount Skydance, which is led by CEO David Ellison and supported by his father, Larry Ellison, a notable Trump supporter. Those familiar with the situation suggest that the Ellisons view CNN not merely as a financial asset but also as a chance to shift its editorial perspective. CNN, despite its challenges, remains quite profitable, reportedly generating around $500 million annually, and boasts a considerable global presence.

Reports indicate that the Ellisons’ interest in CNN aligns with a broader strategy to alter a media institution often regarded as having leftist leanings. Bari Weiss, a former New York Times columnist and current CBS News editor-in-chief, is known to be working on minimizing left-wing bias in CBS’s broadcasts. If Paramount Skydance emerges victorious in the bid, Weiss could potentially take a role directing CNN’s editorial choices, according to insiders.

Democrats’ worries extend beyond just editorial control. The Writers Guild has expressed its concerns, arguing that such mergers concentrate media ownership, hurt workers, and stifle competition. They described the Warner Bros.-Paramount merger as a potential calamity for writers, consumers, and competition. The group has vowed to lobby regulators to impede the deal.

Even with this opposition, the Ellisons continue to lead in the bidding war, which also includes competitors like Netflix, Amazon, and Comcast. Legal analysts suggest that Paramount’s proposal may not attract substantial antitrust scrutiny. There are indications that the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission may not focus heavily on this merger, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hinting that his agency might not even be part of the review process, which poses a significant challenge for any objections.

Reportedly, White House officials have discussed the potential dismissal of CNN anchors Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar—whom President Trump reportedly does not favor—with Larry Ellison. While neither Ellison nor his team have confirmed these discussions, a former Justice Department official commented that such conversations reflect the dynamics of influence.

This merger attempt follows Paramount Skydance’s recent acquisition of Paramount, which encompassed CBS News. Following this takeover, the Ellisons have allegedly enacted wide-ranging reforms, including job cuts, changes in executive leadership, and a shift toward a workplace culture more inclusive of perspectives typically seen as unconventional in Hollywood. Notably, John Nolte of Breitbart News likened these cultural shifts to the recent revamps seen under Elon Musk’s leadership at X, which have involved layoffs and a more conservative hiring approach.

President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed his support for the Paramount-Warner merger, as noted by a senior government official. The ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery holds strategic significance, with the official stating, “Who owns Warner Bros. Discovery is extremely important to the administration,” while expressing confidence in the Ellisons’ capability to finalize the deal.