A big news update has recently been shared regarding Paramount Skydance. Since then, various figures have been sharing their reactions to it and reporting on the story. This includes both Jake Tapper and Tony Dokoupil.
Jake Tapper & Tony Dokoupil Covered The Story
Tapper is the lead Washington anchor for CNN. He is known for hosting The Lead with Jake Tapper and co-hosting State of the Union.
Dokoupil is known for his work with CBS. After previously co-hosting on CBS Mornings, he recently took over anchor duties on CBS Evening News.
Recently, both of these broadcast personalities reported on the Paramount Skydance merger this past Thursday night. As they shared, Warner Bros. Discovery had accepted Paramount Skydance’s recent bid for the company’s assets.
Earlier in the day, Warner Bros. Discovery admitted that Paramount’s latest bid, up from $30 to $31 per share, was better than Netflix’s earlier offer. Netflix then announced that it would withdraw from the bidding, effectively giving the win to Paramount. Unlike Netflix’s bid, Paramount’s bid was for all WBD assets. Meanwhile, Netflix was only interested in the film studio and the HBO streaming services. Paramount’s offer, however, also includes the WBD linear networks, including TNT, TBS, and CNN.
Warner Bros. Discovery Announced Another Update Regarding The Paramount Skydance Arrangement
During the Thursday edition of The Lead, Tapper shared, “Moments ago, Netflix said it is declining to raise its offer for the purchase of Warner Bros studios and HBO.” He explained that Paramount’s offer included “the whole enchilada, including us here at CNN.” He added, “Paramount has submitted a superior offer, according to Warner Bros. Discovery‘s board. As I‘ve noted, Warner Bros. Discovery is the parent company of CNN.”
Meanwhile, CBS Evening News, Dokoupil also discussed the story, sharing, “Netflix says it will not raise its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery to match a rival bid by Paramount Skydance, which, of course, is the parent company of CBS News. Netflix called the deal ‘no longer financially attractive,’ after the Warner Bros. board said the Paramount offer was better.” Dokoupil’s coverage was rather quick and straightforward, whereas Tapper appeared to ask questions about the news.
Biggest Fears
At this time, there has been concern that CNN could see a shift towards more Trump-friendly policies under this new arrangement. For its part, CBS has also been criticized for an alleged political bias following a recent shakeup at the network following the installation of Bari Weiss as CBS News’ editor-in-chief.
As noted by TV Insider, a few commenters shared this concern on social media. As one commenter noted, “No good for CNN. Who needs two CBS News?” Another expressed concern over what was to come, noting, “Get ready for the bloodiest mass layoffs Hollywood has ever witnessed.”
According to NBC News, Warner Bros. Discovery formally signed a merger agreement with Paramount Skydance on Friday. The transaction was said to be unanimously approved by both media giants’ boards of directors.
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
