David Ellison claims opposition to his mega-merger stems from potential CNN control
With $111bn deal to acquire cable network’s parent company stalled in courts, Ellison courts public
TL;DR
- Paramount CEO David Ellison claims the lawsuit against the Skydance merger is politically motivated, focusing on concerns about his control over CNN.
- Ellison asserts the deal has been approved by regulators in 65 countries, including the U.S., and downplays competitive concerns.
- He addresses speculation about his politics, stating he votes for candidates from both parties and holds a mix of conservative and liberal views.
- Past reports suggest Ellison and his father made promises to the Trump administration regarding swaying CNN's direction.
- Controversies surrounding Ellison's ownership include the cancellation of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' and the appointment of Bari Weiss to run CBS News.
- Ellison emphasizes his commitment to the independence and founding principles of CNN and CBS News, stating news should be based on facts and truth.
- The $111bn merger agreement is currently held up in a California court after a 12-state coalition sued to block it on anti-competitive grounds.
- The court temporarily blocked the deal, and Paramount has decided to hold up the merger until the case goes to trial.