Paramount Considers CNN Sale Amid Antitrust Lawsuit

Paramount's chief legal officer stated on August 12, 2026, that selling CNN is a potential option to resolve a 12-state antitrust lawsuit that threatens the company's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Makan Delrahim made this announcement at Politico's California Agenda conference, indicating that Paramount is open to measures beyond internal safeguards to secure the merger. The lawsuit, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, argues that the merger would give the combined company control over nearly one-third of theatrical film distribution and basic cable channels. Bonta has expressed skepticism about Paramount's proposed internal safeguards, labeling them as 'piecemeal promises.' Meanwhile, Rep. Jamie Raskin has accused Paramount's CEO David Ellison of political collusion, further complicating the situation. The merger's fate is critical, as a settlement is needed by September 30, 2026, to avoid significant financial penalties. If unresolved, the case is set to go to trial on March 2, 2027.