Media expert concerned WBD-Paramount merger could hamper news coverage

With breaking news on the war in Iran and a coverup involving the names of powerful men who were unlawfully redacted from the Epstein files, now more than ever, the public needs to trust the people who deliver the news.

One media expert believes a pending $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery could lead CNN and CBS News to “play it safe” while the parties wait for approval from federal regulators.

“During periods where media corporations are seeking regulatory approval from government agencies, we regularly see corporate leaders play it safe and avoid making waves,” said Megan Duncan, a Virginia Tech communications professor who studies how partisan audiences engage with news media.

“Especially with all the national and international events going on, it’s a scary thought that either of these corporations would hedge against telling the audience the truth about a new story because it would invite additional questions from congressional oversight or agency regulators.”

Paramount Skydance, owner of Paramount+ and CBS, won a bidding war with Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, home to HBO Max and CNN.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr told CNBC the deal is expected to be approved “pretty quickly.”

CNN staff members told NBC News that reporters and anchors fear that Paramount CEO David Ellison will change the dynamic of the station like has been the case at CBS News. The mood in the newsroom in one word is described as “shaken.”

CBS installed Bari Weiss, who has frequently criticized “woke” culture, as editor-in-chief. She recently announced a new vision for the news division, causing many staff members, including Anderson Cooper, to leave the network.

“Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver said the merger is “not great news” for his show that airs on HBO.

“What are they going to do? Take us over and immediately cancel us? I’m genuinely asking,” he joked on Sunday night’s episode. Oliver’s current contract expires at the end of the year.

Once the deal closes, it will mean less choices for television viewers. Paramount announced Monday it plans to combine its streaming service Paramount+ with HBO Max.

“For the audience, this means less choice, less room for outside storytelling innovation, and fewer opportunities to vote with your remote,” said Duncan.

“If this deal goes through, for example, CBS News and CNN would be housed in the same company. If you don’t like the editorial choices those networks make, there’s fewer places to give your attention to.”