The New York Times

Ellison Says Lawsuit Is About CNN

David Ellison, chief executive of the combined Paramount Skydance, wrote a New York Times opinion arguing that a multi-state antitrust lawsuit blocking Paramount’s planned ~$110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is focused on concerns over control of CNN rather than conventional market-concentration issues. The suit was filed by California’s attorney general with 11 other states and joined by the Writers Guild of America; a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order and the parties agreed to defer closing until five days after an antitrust trial or June 1, 2027. The merger has received approvals or non-objections in many international jurisdictions and was not challenged by U.S. federal enforcers. Separate legal actions include a Delaware shareholder derivative suit alleging improper arrangements involving David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison, which Paramount denies. Ellison says he has committed in writing to sustain production and editorial independence and believes the deal faces no valid competitive legal barrier.

Paramount–Warner Bros. Trial Set for March 2027

A U.S. federal judge, Araceli Martinez-Olguin, set a 12-day antitrust trial over Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery to run March 2–19, 2027; the judge had previously paused the deal in July. The suit is brought by a coalition of 12 states and the Writers Guild of America. Paramount agreed to delay closing pending the court’s decision, a pause that triggers a contractual “ticking fee” of roughly $7 million per day beginning around Oct. 1 (reported as Sept. 30 in some filings) and could total about $1.2 billion by April 2027; the company also faces a potential $7 billion breakup payment. Paramount said it will vigorously defend the transaction and reported modest Q2 results, including slight revenue growth and streaming subscriber gains.

Fubo Launches Fubo Perks for Subscribers

Fubo announced "Fubo Perks," a new subscriber benefit program offering discounts, bundled services and access to third-party content via Fubo credentials. Announced in an email to subscribers on August 4, 2026, the program includes offers such as The Athletic for $1/week (part of a New York Times bundle), a discounted Sam’s Club membership with a Pepsi credit, and complimentary access to ESPN Unlimited and FOX One for Fubo subscribers. The announcement also highlights login-enabled access to multiple TV and cable networks (ABC, CBS, NFL Network, Comedy Central, Disney Now, Freeform, beIN Sports, BET, CMT, CBS Sports and VH1). The story was published by Cord Cutters News.