Jan 12, 2026, 5:33 p.mJan 12, 2026, 5:33 p.m
In the bidding war for Hollywood veteran Warner Brothers, competitor Paramount is going to court. It’s also about the Trump-critical broadcaster CNN.
In a lawsuit, Paramount is demanding more information from Warner about management’s decision to prefer streaming giant Netflix’s bid. Paramount also wants to nominate its own candidates for the board of directors of what is now Warner Bros. Discovery – in the hope of achieving the goal with the approval of shareholders.
Netflix only wants to take over the studio and streaming business for around $83 billion. Paramount is offering $108.4 billion for the entire current group, including TV channels such as CNN.
The management of Warner Bros. Discovery spoke out in favor of the Netflix offer, but the shareholders have the final say. A crucial question for them will be how the TV channels will be rated in the future. In Warner’s lawsuit, Paramount is demanding information about its ratings of the channels.
Trump pushes for change of ownership at CNN
Paramount is backed by the family of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, who is known as a supporter of US President Donald Trump. Trump repeatedly demanded that if there was a deal for Warner, CNN would also have to change ownership.
The news channel, which often reports critically about Trump, has long been a thorn in his side. Since the Ellisons’ takeover, the newsroom at Paramount’s CBS channel has adopted a friendly tone toward the Trump administration. (hkl/sda/awp/dpa)