David Ellison
Coverage of David Ellison in the Nexus archive.
- Inside David Ellison's desperate fight for Warner Bros.
Paramount's board approved David Ellison's plan involving a relocation of headquarters to save money. This move suggests efforts linked to David Ellison and Warner Bros.
- Paramount CEO says politics fueling Warner Bros. merger battle
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison claims politics are driving the merger battle involving Warner Bros. He made these remarks during a speaking engagement at the Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles.
- Paramount CEO David Ellison confident about closing Warner Bros. deal despite lawsuit: ‘We’ll win at trial’
Paramount CEO David Ellison expressed confidence in finalizing the Warner Bros. deal despite ongoing legal challenges, while the company reported mixed second-quarter results with increased streaming and studio revenue counterbalancing television revenue declines.
- Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery judge sets 2027 trial date for antitrust fight
A federal judge set a March 2027 trial date for antitrust lawsuits challenging Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The delay imposes significant financial costs on Paramount, which must pay $7 million daily in ticking fees until the merger closes, and reflects opposition from state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America. Paramount CEO David Ellison defended the deal, emphasizing CNN's editorial independence.
- David Ellison's Paramount would owe more than $1 billion to WBD shareholders based on the March trial date a judge set
Paramount Skydance may owe over $1 billion to WBD shareholders due to a federal judge setting the trial date for its merger on March 2. The company agreed to pay $7 million daily in ticking fees starting September 30, with a potential $7 billion termination fee if the merger fails.
- Paramount-WBD merger criticism based on David Ellison’s politics, future of CNN, CEO writes
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, criticizes the Paramount-WBD merger based on politics and the future of CNN. He argues that news organization leaders should not influence company-related matters.
- Paramount's David Ellison seeks to distance himself from partisan politics after courting Trump
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison attended President Donald Trump's State of the Union address and sought DOJ approval for his Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) deal. Now facing a lawsuit from 12 Democratic states, Ellison published an op-ed distancing himself from partisan politics and defending the merger as necessary to compete with tech giants like Netflix and Amazon.
- Why Paramount might win its case and still run out of time to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance delayed its Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition to June 2027 amid a legal challenge from 12 state attorneys general. The delay risks worsening challenges like financing costs and shifting market dynamics, with historical parallels to AT&T's delayed Time Warner acquisition allowing competitors like Disney to gain streaming advantages.
- Careful what you bid for: The Ellisons’ Paramount/WBD deal is slipping toward a costly legal and financial cliff
Paramount Skydance agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion, but the deal faces legal challenges from a coalition of state attorneys general led by California’s Rob Bonta, who argue it would create antitrust concerns and reduce competition in media. Paramount has delayed the merger until after a trial verdict or June 2027, with conflicting demands over the trial date.
- The Ellisons may still get Warner Bros. But it won't be easy.
Larry and David Ellison's Paramount is attempting to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, but a court challenge from California's attorney general has delayed the deal. The legal dispute has created uncertainty about whether the Ellisons will succeed in their acquisition plans.
- David Ellison's Paramount agreeing to delay its WBD deal is actually a big flex
Paramount Skydance agreed to delay its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery until June 2027 or after a trial, despite a lawsuit from 12 states alleging anticompetitive practices. The delay involves a 'ticking fee' of $7 million daily, which Paramount's financial backers, including CEO David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison, are positioned to absorb due to the deal's scale.
- CNN staffers see Paramount merger as 'inevitable' despite legal battle delaying Ellison takeover
CNN staff view the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger as inevitable despite a legal delay. The $111 billion deal, approved by the EU and U.S. Justice Department but blocked by a California antitrust lawsuit, remains on hold until next year. CNN insiders report low morale amid leadership changes and uncertainty about the network's future under David Ellison.
- Paramount Skydance agrees to freeze its WBD mega-merger while the antitrust cases are decided
Paramount Skydance has agreed to pause its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery while antitrust cases from 12 US states and the Writers Guild of America are resolved, likely leading to a court battle. The merger freeze will last until five days after the cases are ruled or June 1, 2027, whichever comes first, with both companies' stock prices declining following the announcement.
- Leaked presentation reveals David Ellison's top streaming priorities for Paramount+
Paramount+ is planning upgrades including micro dramas, free content access, and vertical podcast clips to boost engagement. These initiatives align with CEO David Ellison's strategy to enhance Paramount's streaming tech amid a paused merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
- Steve Hilton on the Murdochs, David Ellison, and conservative media’s California
Steve Hilton, a former British Prime Minister David Cameron strategist and Fox News host, discusses his career in politics and media, his Republican gubernatorial campaign in California, and topics including David Ellison's Paramount, the Murdochs, and conservative media's portrayal of California. He contrasts his primary success against Spencer Pratt and reflects on his role in conservative media.
- Paramount+ is moving into micro dramas as Hollywood falls in love with short video
Paramount+ is prioritizing micro dramas in its mobile app to build user engagement, following industry trends where competitors like Netflix and Disney+ are also adopting short-form video content. The initiative aims to increase visit frequency and align the platform with social media consumption habits.
- Inside Paramount and WBD, employees are on edge as David Ellison's mega-merger hits resistance
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison's $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery is paused due to a lawsuit from 12 states, causing uncertainty among employees about job security and financial implications. Employees express concerns over potential layoffs or the company's financial health if the deal fails, while Warner Bros. Discovery employees highlight potential financial benefits from stock grants.
- Paramount's WBD deal is on pause after judge orders a merger delay
A judge ordered a temporary pause on Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) after California and 11 other states sued to block the merger. The court will decide next whether to issue a preliminary injunction, which could further delay the deal.
- The Needle: FCC Officials Accepted Gifts from CBS/Paramount, Trump’s Makeover Costs Taxpayers $1.2 Billion, Trump Likes Being In Dictators’ Company, The Pool Is Gray, and the Post Edit Board Scolds NY Gov. Kathy Hochul for Listening to Public Opinion
FCC officials accepted gifts and tickets from CBS/Paramount during merger approval. Trump's D.C. renovations are estimated to cost $1.2 billion. Trump compared himself to authoritarian leaders in a document. The Reflecting Pool has turned gray. The Washington Post Editorial Board criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul for a data center moratorium.
- Booker challenges Blanche on claims he can’t meet with Epstein victims
Sen. Cory Booker challenged Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, over his claim of being prohibited from meeting with Epstein victims, contrasting it with Blanche's prior meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell. Blanche, testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, denied Booker's ability to control his responses and defended his interactions during the confirmation hearing.
- California AG says Paramount's Netflix defense misses the point
California AG Rob Bonta is suing Paramount Skydance to block its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the merger would increase market concentration in film distribution and cable TV. Bonta dismisses Paramount's claim that the deal is necessary to compete with streaming services like Netflix, calling it a distraction.
- Bonta’s Paramount suit underwhelms
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Paramount, arguing a merger with Warner Bros. Discovery would harm competition in three markets. Paramount plans to challenge the lawsuit's definitions and claims cable TV competition remains strong, while CEO David Ellison may relocate operations if the deal is blocked. The merger's closure has been delayed, with financial penalties for further delays.
- Paramount taps well-known crisis comms firm as David Ellison wages public legal battle over $110B Warner Bros. deal
Paramount is hiring crisis communications firm Brunswick Group to address a lawsuit aiming to block David Ellison's $110B Warner Bros. deal. The legal battle centers on the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros.
- States sue to stop Warner-Paramount merger
Several states, including California, sued Warner Bros. and Paramount to block their $110 billion merger, arguing it would harm competition in film and cable markets. The lawsuit claims the consolidation would create a monopoly, reduce content diversity, and raise prices for consumers.
- Paramount weighs leaving California over Warner Bros. rift
Paramount is considering relocating its headquarters and operations outside California if the state sues to block its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The company has a potential lease in New Jersey and has faced pushback from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who has raised concerns about job losses and price increases. Other companies like Chevron, Oracle, and Tesla have previously moved operations out of California.
- Private jets descend on Sun Valley's invite-only 'summer camp for billionaires'
The Allen & Co. Sun Valley Conference in Idaho, called 'summer camp for billionaires,' begins with hundreds of private jets arriving at Friedman Memorial Airport. Attendees include media and tech leaders discussing AI and media consolidation. The event sees 300-350 daily aircraft, far exceeding normal airport traffic.
- How Paramount’s theater commitments could boost local economies across the nation
Paramount's commitment to producing 30 movies annually with a 45-day theatrical window could generate $20 billion in U.S. economic activity and support 90,000 jobs. The proposed Paramount–Warner Bros. merger faces potential legal challenges despite claims it would boost film production and theater revenue.
- The Paramount leaders who gained power during an ad product and tech reshuffling
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison is restructuring the company's ad product and tech teams to create a unified organization, as outlined in a late-June memo from EVP Hugh Williams. The changes aim to modernize Paramount and align with digital transformation goals, including merging streaming platforms and developing interactive features.
- CNN journalist jumps ship to MS NOW over fears of new leadership after merger: report
CNN journalist Paula Reid is leaving the network for MS NOW due to concerns over Paramount Skydance's acquisition of CNN and potential leadership changes under Paramount CEO David Ellison. Reid's decision follows reports that Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief of CBS News, may lead CNN, with other CNN journalists expressing fears about the merger's impact.
- CNN’s Paula Reid to exit network during uncertainty over David Ellison takeover: report
Paula Reid, a CNN legal journalist, will not renew her contract amid uncertainty over David Ellison's takeover, according to a Status newsletter report.
- Ex-’60 Minutes’ boss Bill Owens blasts Paramount, CBS News leaders in tell-all: ‘Worst-run media company in the history of America’
Ex-’60 Minutes’ boss Bill Owens criticizes Paramount and CBS News leaders in a tell-all, calling it the worst-run media company in America. He specifically targets Paramount, Bari Weiss, ex-controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, and Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison.
- EU set to clear Paramount’s $111bn takeover of Warner Bros
The EU is expected to approve Paramount's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. David Ellison's media group is negotiating with Brussels to address regulatory concerns.
- CBS anchor defends leadership amid ‘60 Minutes’ fallout, ‘not the experience that I’ve had’
CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil defended leadership amid a '60 Minutes' fallout, stating that David Ellison and Bari Weiss have not interfered on 'CBS Evening News.'
- Paramount rejected ad criticizing its owners and Warner Bros acquisition
Paramount Skydance rejected an ad from the Freedom of the Press Foundation that criticized its leadership and merger with Warner Bros Discovery, citing a 'conflict of interest.' The ad targeted David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison.
- Justice Dept. approves Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
The Justice Department approved Paramount's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, concluding the merger does not threaten competition in film, television, or streaming. The deal combines Paramount (owner of CBS) with Warner Bros. Discovery (HBO, CNN), but faces ongoing investigations in California and the European Union. Critics, including Hollywood talent and states, argue the merger could reduce media diversity and creative opportunities.
- Paramount Skydance merger with Warner Bros. Discovery won’t harm competition, consumers, DOJ says
The U.S. Justice Department concluded that Paramount Skydance's $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery will not harm competition or consumers, closing its antitrust investigation. The merger, opposed by critics and industry professionals over consolidation risks, is expected to boost competition in media and streaming, though it will involve significant job cuts due to duplication.
- Paramount Skydance merger with Warner Bros. Discovery won’t harm competition, consumers, DOJ says
The U.S. Justice Department concluded that the Paramount Skydance merger with Warner Bros. Discovery will not harm competition or consumers, closing its antitrust probe. Regulators argued the deal would increase competition in media and streaming, though critics warn it could reduce industry diversity and lead to job losses.
- Paramount Skydance merger with Warner Bros. Discovery won't harm competition, consumers, DOJ says
The U.S. Justice Department has concluded that the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery is unlikely to harm competition or consumers, closing its investigation. The deal, which faced a rival bid from Netflix, is expected to increase competition in the media and entertainment industry, though critics argue it may lead to job losses and reduced content diversity.
- David Ellison's Paramount just got the DOJ's permission to buy WBD
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has received US Department of Justice approval to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a $111 billion deal, positioning Paramount as a major Hollywood player. The DOJ stated the transaction is unlikely to harm competition or consumers, though challenges abroad and potential lawsuits remain.
- The chaos at CBS News shows the limits of ‘blow it up’ leadership
Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief of CBS News, has sparked controversy by implementing disruptive changes, including the ouster of Scott Pelley, a longtime 60 Minutes journalist. Her tenure, marked by accusations of compromising editorial norms and favoring the Trump administration, has drawn criticism from media experts who argue such upheaval hinders effective organizational change.