The Warner Bros. Discovery bidding war has entered a critical phase, and according to the New York Post, Paramount Skydance is in the lead.
Reportedly, it’s not because they offered the most money, it’s because they’re the only bidder willing to buy all of WBD, including CNN.
Trump the Wild Card
While Comcast and Netflix submitted bids, various outlets have reported that Netflix was never really serious, and that Comcast reportedly wants only parts of the company.
The NY Post says that Paramount, run by David Ellison and backed by his billionaire father, is going all in — and that includes keeping CNN. The move is reportedly pleasing to Donald Trump, who wants the news network “neutralized” for its years of anti-MAGA coverage. Variety also recently confirmed our own report on how Paramount is going MAGA.
Trump sees Ellison, a known political ally, as the perfect person to steer CNN away from its current editorial direction. The Ellisons have already hired Bari Weiss to lead CBS News with a mandate to curb left-leaning bias. Reports have said if they land WBD, she could also take over CNN.
Wild card in all this seems to be Trump who wants Paramount. That said, Trump is friends with the Saudis. pic.twitter.com/gBaSrNulyI
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) November 18, 2025
Regulatory Advantage Gives Paramount an Edge
Regulatory scrutiny is the wildcard in any media merger. And this is where Paramount Skydance could clinch it.
With Comcast facing backlash over MSNBC (reportedly, Trump hates Comcast CEO Brian Roberts) and Netflix battling antitrust concerns as the #1 streamer, Trump’s DOJ could make life difficult for both.
Sources for The Post say the Ellisons would receive “white-glove treatment” and rapid approval within six months. Comcast and Netflix, on the other hand, are looking at drawn-out legal battles and political opposition that could last years.
Paramount’s Lower Bid Might Be Enough
WBD CEO David Zaslav has said he wants a bid that “starts with a 3” — meaning $30 a share or $70 billion.
Paramount Skydance’s current bid is reportedly $27 a share, but the board may take the easier regulatory path rather than wait two years for Comcast or Netflix to clear hurdles.
With the deadline for bids now passed and first-round offers in, all signs point to Paramount Skydance emerging as the frontrunner in a deal that could reshape Hollywood.
What about the Saudis?
Regarding the Saudis, while Paramount recently shot down claims they have the backing of the Saudis, numerous reports have suggested Paramount may be bringing in the Saudis during negotiations, not before. Something I’ve said as well.
Paramount can say they're not connected to the Saudis now but then bring them in during negotiations. That's what could be in play.
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) November 18, 2025
