Paramount Global Plans CNN Editorial Board Amid Merger Lawsuit

Paramount Global held internal discussions to establish an editorial board and other safeguards for CNN to ensure the news operation remains independent. These talks occurred as the company planned the closing of its 81 billion dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., the parent company of CNN.

The merger is currently delayed by an antitrust lawsuit filed by California and 11 other states. The lawsuit alleges the deal would grant the combined entity excessive power over theatrical movie distribution and cable television. A trial for the case is scheduled for March.

The push for oversight follows concerns regarding political interference at Paramount-owned CBS News. These issues include allegations of interference after the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor in chief and a 16 million dollar settlement paid to Donald Trump over the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.