Cory Booker Slams Paramount

Key Points:

• Sen. Cory Booker criticized the proposed settlement between Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery and state attorneys general, blaming both the David Ellison-run company and the Justice Department for failing to ensure justice in the merger process.
• Booker condemned Paramount's threat to leave California if the state AG lawsuit blocked the deal, calling it extortion, and argued that behavioral remedies in the settlement cannot fix the structural problems caused by the merger.
• He expressed concerns about an editorial review board for CNN and CBS News, warning that it threatens the First Amendment and will not prevent sweeping changes allegedly promised to former President Trump.
• Booker accused the merger process of corruption, citing close ties between Paramount executives and government officials, including a dinner hosted by Ellison honoring Trump attended by the Deputy Attorney General responsible for approving the deal.
• The senator pledged to scrutinize all mergers approved under the current administration, signaling increased oversight if Democrats regain Senate control in upcoming midterm elections.