Paramount CEO David Ellison used a New York Times guest essay to argue that concerns about CNN's editorial independence, not market share, are the real driver of opposition to his company's proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Twelve state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America have filed antitrust lawsuits against the deal, which remains on hold pending a trial expected later in 2026 or in early 2027, and Ellison said he believes speculation about his politics and intentions sits beneath the legal challenges.

Ellison wrote that he has voted for candidates from both parties and holds a mix of politically conservative and liberal views, insisting he does not want CBS News or CNN to reflect his own opinions and pledging to keep both operations "down the middle." The essay lands amid ongoing controversy over Ellison's stewardship of CBS News since Skydance's merger with Paramount Global, including a $16 million settlement of a Trump administration lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview and a shake-up at that programme under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Citing a Gallup poll showing only 28% of Americans trust the news, Ellison said rebuilding public trust would be central to his approach to CNN. The essay was published as Paramount prepares to report second-quarter earnings, with Warner Bros. Discovery due to report on Thursday.