Representative Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has asked Paramount chief executive David Ellison to take part in a transcribed congressional interview about Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Raskin argues that the deal could threaten media independence and competition, particularly because Paramount already owns CBS News and could gain control of CNN. The request adds to Democratic pressure on the company, although the minority party cannot compel Ellison to testify.

Raskin cited reports that Ellison offered Trump administration officials assurances of major changes at CNN, and accused him of working with the administration to curb editorial independence; Ellison has denied such concerns, saying CNN and CBS News would report independently. Raskin said he had sent four unanswered letters over the previous year and gave Ellison until 26 August to arrange an interview. A group of 12 state attorneys general is also pursuing an antitrust lawsuit, while Paramount’s chief legal officer said the company would engage with Raskin and provide information but rejected allegations of corruption.