Hundreds Sign Letter Warning Paramount Takeover Of CNN Will Lead To 'Improper Political Meddling'

Key Points:

• Over 200 journalists, academics, and filmmakers have signed a letter warning that the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery could lead to political interference at CNN, similar to changes made at CBS to appease former President Donald Trump.
• The letter highlights concerns about Paramount CEO David Ellison, son of Trump ally Larry Ellison, citing his alleged promises to implement "sweeping changes" at CNN if the merger is approved, based on a Wall Street Journal report.
• Signatories claim Ellison has already influenced CBS News editorial decisions, including pulling critical segments of Trump policies, appointing Trump-aligned columnist Bari Weiss as CBS News editor-in-chief, and canceling shows disliked by Trump.
• The letter urges regulators and lawmakers to view the merger as a political maneuver that could undermine press freedom and constitutional safeguards, warning of severe consequences for American democracy.
• Notable signatories include former CNN anchor Jim Acosta, former ABC and CBS correspondent Judy Muller, and Oscar-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras; David Ellison has previously addressed concerns about the merger's impact on CNN.