David Ellison Says Politics Drive $110 Billion Warner Merger Fight as Judge Sets March 2027 Trial
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 4
David Ellison Says Politics Drive $110 Billion Warner Merger Fight as Judge Sets March 2027 Trial
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 4
Summary
March 2027 is now the trial date for antitrust challenges to Paramount Skydance's $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, after the companies agreed to delay closing until June 2027.
David Ellison used a New York Times op-ed to argue the case is really about whether he can be trusted with CNN, not about market share or newsroom interference.
Twelve Democratic-led states say the combined company would control about 27% of wide-release film distribution and a similar share of basic-cable licensing, and want the merger blocked.
The political scrutiny reflects Ellison's ties to Donald Trump and earlier moves at CBS News, including a $16 million Trump settlement and Bari Weiss's appointment that prompted journalist departures.
The Trump administration approved the deal on June 12 without conditions, leaving the courtroom fight to decide a merger that could reshape media—or trigger billions in breakup fees.