Hundreds Sign Letter Opposing Paramount Takeover of CNN
Over 200 media professionals signed a letter warning that Paramount's acquisition of CNN threatens editorial independence based on alleged political interference at CBS under David Ellison.
The Freedom of the Press Foundation organized the protest letter, which argues that Paramount chief executive David Ellison will engage in improper political interference at the news network, according to Breitbart News.
Signatories point to alleged editorial changes at CBS as evidence of what lies ahead for CNN. The letter claims that news coverage critical of Trump administration policies has been suppressed, respected producers and reporters have resigned rather than accept censorship, and programs disliked by the President have been axed.
The group specifically cited the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and what they described as overly favorable coverage of administration officials, including a CBS Evening News segment characterizing Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the ultimate Florida man.
Based on these developments at CBS, the letter warns that Ellison will similarly reshape CNN’s editorial approach and interfere with HBO documentary content to favor the current administration, thereby undermining press freedom.
The media professionals are urging regulators and lawmakers to view Paramount’s Warner Bros. acquisition as a political maneuver designed to bypass constitutional protections, with serious implications for American democracy.
Notable signatories include former CNN anchor Jim Acosta, former ABC and CBS News correspondent Judy Muller, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras.
Ellison Pledges Editorial Independence
David Ellison offered assurances to CNBC in March that CNN would retain its editorial independence under his stewardship.
The executive praised CNN as an incredible brand staffed by exceptional journalists, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining the independence necessary for their work.
Ellison stated his intention to appeal to the 70 percent of Americans and global audiences who identify as center-left or center-right, positioning the network in what he called the truth business and the trust business.
With information from Breitbart News
