Trump's Media Ambitions Advance with Paramount Skydance Deal for CNN
Donald Trump has long targeted CNN with criticism, rallying his supporters to echo his disdain during campaigns and publicly attacking journalists like Kaitlan Collins. He accuses the network of bias, despite its inclusion of pro-Trump voices such as Scott Jennings. Now, a significant shift may be unfolding as Trump's wealthy associates at Paramount Skydance move closer to acquiring Warner Bros Discovery, CNN's parent company.
Deal Dynamics and Political Interference
While the acquisition is not finalized and faces regulatory hurdles from state attorneys general, the withdrawal of Netflix as a competing bidder has cleared a path for Paramount Skydance. Netflix had previously gained board approval but abandoned its offer after CEO Ted Sarandos met with Trump aides at the White House, suggesting potential political influence behind the scenes.
Paramount Skydance is led by CEO David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison, an Oracle co-founder and billionaire with ties to Trump. This connection raises concerns about media independence, as noted by Courtney Radsch of the Open Markets Institute, who highlights an unprecedented level of politically motivated involvement in defanging major news networks.
Precedents of Media Control
Trump's efforts to shape media narratives are not new. He has sued outlets like ABC News, leveraging settlements for political gain, and cultivated relationships with billionaires such as Jeff Bezos, who intervened in a Washington Post editorial endorsement. At CBS News, now under Paramount Skydance, leadership by Bari Weiss has shifted the network rightward, earning Trump's praise and creating a Fox News Lite atmosphere.
Journalists have reported self-censorship due to ideological pressures, with one departing CBS employee citing a shifting set of expectations. Craig Aaron of Free Press warns that Trump aims to control news media akin to authoritarian regimes, citing Hungary's Viktor Orbán as a parallel example of undermining independent journalism.
Implications for Democracy and Competition
The potential acquisition underscores broader issues of media consolidation, reducing competition and concentrating power among the wealthy. Unlike Netflix's plan to spin off CNN separately, Paramount Skydance's control could lead to a more politicized CNN, mirroring changes at CBS. Antitrust concerns may arise, but a weaponized justice department could facilitate the deal in an increasingly oligarchic America.
Ultimately, this development signals a troubling trend toward partisan media control, threatening democratic governance and editorial independence in the United States.
