David Ellison, chief executive of Paramount, has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, defending the deal amid legal challenges and widespread scrutiny. The merger faces opposition from California’s attorney general, 11 other state attorneys general, and the Writers Guild of America, all of whom have filed lawsuits attempting to block the transaction.
Ellison acknowledged the lawsuits but dismissed claims that the merger would lead to excessive market concentration in theatrical releases, cable distribution, or harm to writers. He argued that the combined company would represent less than 20 percent of total American television viewing time and only around 18 percent of the domestic box office over the past year, figures he says contradict the notion that the new entity would dominate the media landscape. He also highlighted competition from major technology platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and Apple, which he noted possess far greater resources.
The executive contended that the regulatory approvals already granted across 65 countries, including the United States, China, and the European Union, undermine the basis of the lawsuits centered on antitrust concerns. Instead, Ellison suggested the opposition is rooted more in apprehension over his stewardship of Warner’s news operations, particularly CNN. Addressing speculation about his political leanings and potential influence over news content, he emphasized his commitment to journalistic independence and factual reporting, underscoring his bipartisan voting history and balanced personal viewpoints.
Ellison highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the news industry, pointing to historically low public trust in news organizations. He suggested media outlets must engage with critiques and focus on restoring credibility through consistent, fact-based journalism. He pledged to support such journalistic principles within the newsrooms overseen by the combined company.
Turning to the entertainment side, Ellison framed the merger as a necessary evolution to sustain Hollywood’s creative ecosystem, which he described as increasingly threatened by digital platforms and shifting audience behaviors. Since taking leadership at Paramount, he noted efforts to expand content production, including nearly doubling the theatrical film slate from eight to 15 titles, greenlighting 40 new or returning series for Paramount+, and planning approximately 90 television series in 2026.
Looking ahead, Ellison outlined ambitious targets for the merged entity, including producing 30 theatrical films and 170 television series annually alongside an annual content investment exceeding $30 billion. While refraining from promising guaranteed box office hits, he affirmed the commitment to increased creative output and financial backing.
Ellison concluded by emphasizing the central role of audiences in determining the success of films and news organizations, asserting that the company’s future depends on serving viewers, supporting storytellers, and honoring the vision behind the American entertainment and news industries. The Paramount-Warner deal, he suggested, represents an effort to build a stronger, more competitive company positioned to meet those goals.