Trump Wants CNN ‘Neutralized’ in WBD Sale, Paramount Has ‘Inside Shot’

A recent report indicates that Skydance Paramount, led by David Ellison, remains the most likely buyer of Warner Bros. Discovery, largely thanks to support from former President Donald Trump.

According to senior media correspondent Charles Gasparino on X, Paramount Skydance is currently the leading contender to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). This is because they’re reportedly the only company willing to also take ownership of CNN as part of the deal.

I’m hearing from Gasparino that Trump is really focused on what happens to CNN. Apparently, he wants to see it change significantly, even ‘neutralized,’ as he puts it. And if Skydance ends up buying CNN, the word is that they’d put conservative journalist Bari Weiss in charge of the network.

Basically, Trump wants CNN to be taken off the air, and because Paramount is the only company looking to buy all of Warner Bros. Discovery, he’s supporting Paramount’s bid to acquire it.

Conflict With Other Reports: Comcast and Saudis Rising

This story clashes with a new report indicating that Comcast, possibly with financial support from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, could be the frontrunner to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

The report highlighted Comcast’s focus on Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming services and film/TV production businesses, as well as how those assets fit with Saudi Arabia’s goals for entertainment, instead of focusing on the news network, as Gasparino suggests.

The differing reports show how news sources are presenting the sale to support their preferred side.

What’s at Stake and What It Means

If the reports from Gasparino are correct, the buyer wouldn’t just be getting a film and TV company with a streaming service—they’d also be taking control of CNN and, with it, significant influence over how stories are told.

That elevates the deal from standard media consolidation into a politically charged power play.

The previous interest from Comcast and Saudi Arabia indicates that the battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery is still ongoing, with several different groups pursuing their own plans for the company.

No matter how things play out, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is in a strong position. He’s turned down initial offers and is now using that to try and get a higher price and better deal.

Read More

2025-11-18 20:01