Press Freedom Groups Seek Paramount Records Access Over Alleged White House Favoritism

The Freedom of the Press Foundation and Reporters Without Borders have sent a formal letter to Paramount’s chief legal officer, Makan Delrahim, demanding access to the company’s books and records. The request follows reports that Paramount CEO David Ellison allegedly promised favors to the White House to secure federal approval for Paramount’s bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

In the letter, dated Thursday, the press freedom groups’ legal representatives—affiliated with the Public Integrity Project—stated:

"This reporting creates a credible basis to believe that Ellison, other board members, and other Paramount executives may have breached their fiduciary duties or otherwise committed misconduct."

A Paramount spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The letter is the latest in a series of objections from media advocates regarding the proposed deal.

Legal Basis for the Request

The groups cited a Delaware law that permits company shareholders—including the Freedom of the Press Foundation and Reporters Without Borders—to inspect documents for "any proper purpose." Their 19-page letter dedicates 12 pages to summarizing news reports about actions by David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, a billionaire and ally of former President Donald Trump, during their efforts to acquire Paramount and later Warner Bros. Discovery.

Key Allegations in the Letter

The groups highlighted several incidents, including:

• The cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s "The Late Show" ahead of the Paramount merger’s approval.
• Reports that the Ellisons allegedly promised Trump administration officials "sweeping" changes to CNN if their Warner Bros. Discovery deal was approved.
• Changes made by Bari Weiss at CBS News after Ellison appointed her editor-in-chief.

The letter states:

"The foregoing account of recent events—drawn entirely from investigative reporting published in the mainstream news media—creates a credible concern that Paramount leadership has offered, solicited, or effectuated a corrupt exchange: more favorable coverage of the Trump administration and its allies in exchange for favorable treatment by Trump administration antitrust and media regulators. Such a corrupt bargain, if it has been proposed or consummated, would constitute a breach of fiduciary duties, and would expose Paramount to a range of potential civil and criminal penalties, as well as potential liabilities under federal and state law."

The groups have given Paramount five days to respond before pursuing legal action.