Chris Wallace, Whose Dad Helped Launch “60 Minutes”, Defends CBS-CNN Merger: ‘If You Don’t Like Coverage… Change the Channel’

Chris Wallace, a seasoned journalist now serving as a paid adviser at a private equity firm with significant interests in Paramount, has aired his views regarding the contentious proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal, valued at an impressive $110 billion, is currently being challenged by a coalition of twelve state attorneys general concerned about potential antitrust implications and the future of editorial independence at major news organisations.

The merger has prompted worries among critics that bringing CBS News—under Paramount’s ownership—together with Warner’s CNN could undermine journalistic integrity, leading to a concentration of media power. In a recent op-ed published in *The Hollywood Reporter*, Wallace contends that both federal and state governments should not dictate ownership of news outlets or influence their reporting.

He suggests that the objections raised by Democratic-led states do not stem from genuine antitrust concerns but rather a desire to safeguard the editorial slant of CNN. Wallace asserts that using governmental power for political objectives is equally indefensible, whether it is executed by the Trump administration or the Democratic attorneys general currently opposing the merger. “If you think it’s wrong for the Trump Justice Department to use legal weaponisation for political purposes, it is just as indefensible for a dozen Democratic AGs to do the same thing,” he emphasises.

Wallace, whose five-decade journalism career has earned him a reputation for impartiality, highlights that disagreements with a network’s coverage can simply be resolved by changing the channel or cancelling subscriptions rather than resorting to legal battles. His remarks come amid the ongoing debate surrounding the implications of this merger for the news industry.

The journalist’s affiliation with Paramount extends beyond his current role; his father, the late Mike Wallace, was a pioneering correspondent for *60 Minutes*, which is now part of Paramount’s portfolio. The network has been navigating significant changes and internal controversies, particularly following the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief at CBS News.

David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, has also weighed in on the merger, refuting claims that he has influenced CBS News to align with the political views of former President Trump. In his own op-ed for the New York Times, Ellison defended his commitment to journalistic independence, stating he should not “put a finger on the scale” regarding news reporting within his company. He clarified that his political beliefs span the spectrum, asserting that, like most Americans, he holds a mix of liberal and conservative views.

Ellison’s relationship with Trump has garnered scrutiny, notably as the two were seen together at various high-profile events, including a UFC fight and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where Trump praised Ellison’s influence on news operations. However, he reaffirmed his dedication to fact-based journalism and maintaining the editorial integrity of news outlets amidst the tumultuous political landscape.

The state attorneys general leading the lawsuit have claimed their concerns are based solely on antitrust principles rather than political motivations. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed unease regarding the potential consolidation of ownership over CBS News and CNN, indicating that the merger could facilitate a bid to curry favour with the Obama administration, potentially jeopardising the independence of both news entities.

The proposal’s fate remains uncertain as it unfolds in the courts, with significant implications for the media landscape if approved. Should the merger succeed, it would result in two of the largest news organisations in the country—CBS News and CNN—being governed by a single entity helmed by a CEO with close ties to the current administration.

As discussions surrounding the merger persist, the intersection of journalism, politics, and corporate interests will continue to be a focal point, prompting further scrutiny over how news is produced and reported in an increasingly complex media environment. Wallace’s openness to critique the political undercurrents influencing media mergers reflects a broader apprehension about the future of journalistic standards and the role of large corporations in shaping news coverage.