Larry Ellison discussed axing CNN hosts with White House in takeover bid talks

"Senior White House officials have discussed internally their preference for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros Discovery in recent weeks, and one official has discussed potential programming changes at CNN with Larry Ellison, the largest shareholder of Paramount. The discussions, according to people familiar with the matter, comes as Paramount portrays itself as the best bid for Warner Bros Discovery, after it announced last month it was open to offers, because it would have an easier time getting through regulatory review."

"Ellison often speaks to connections at the White House but, in at least one of the calls, engaged in a dialogue about possibly axing some of the CNN hosts whom Donald Trump is said to loathe, including Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar, the people said. The conversation also touched on floating names to replace Burnett and the possibility of running CBS assets like its flagship 60 minutes program on CNN air proposals that have animated the White House, the people said."

"That discussion, described by people on the condition of anonymity because they are sensitive, were characterized as informal since Ellison does not have a formal role at Paramount. Still, he holds a major ownership stake in the company, which is run by his son, David Ellison. Spokespeople for the White House and CNN declined to comment. The elder Ellison, Oracle and Paramount did not respond to repeated requests for comment."

Senior White House officials have expressed a preference for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros Discovery and one official spoke with Larry Ellison about potential CNN programming changes. Paramount positions itself as the strongest bidder partly because it expects an easier regulatory review. Ellison, a major Paramount shareholder, engaged in at least one call that explored axing CNN hosts reportedly disliked by Donald Trump, discussed potential replacements, and floated airing CBS assets such as 60 Minutes on CNN. The calls were described as informal, Ellison lacks a formal Paramount role, and spokespeople declined to comment. Paramount prepares a bid before the November 20 deadline.

Read at www.theguardian.com