Ex-CNN host Jim Acosta says CBS and Paramount's moves point to a pro-Trump media empire being built

WASHINGTON, DC: Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta warned of efforts to create a “state-dominated media system” favoring President Donald Trump as the Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros Discovery merger looms. 

The journalist's comments come as debate continues over editorial decisions at CBS and broader changes in the media industry. The remarks also drew attention because of Acosta’s long-running clashes with Trump during his years covering the White House for CNN.

Jim Acosta ties CBS dispute to wider media concerns

Speaking on MSNBC’s ‘Deadline’, Acosta argued that recent developments at CBS were part of a larger political project rather than ordinary business decisions.

“I think the message that the people at CBS are sending people like Bari Weiss is, 'Be afraid. We are in control. We are in charge,'” Acosta said.

He went on to claim that media executives involved in Paramount’s future direction were pursuing ideological goals rather than ratings or profits.

“They don’t care about the ratings. They don’t care about making money. This is an ideological and partisan political project,” Acosta said, referring to the Ellison family and their ties to Trump.

Acosta further alleged that efforts involving Paramount, Warner Bros Discovery, and CNN could eventually create “this giant media conglomerate that will essentially act like it’s a state media organization in support of Donald Trump.” 

His comments followed public debate surrounding CBS' editorial decisions and concerns raised by some journalists inside the network.

Scott Pelley’s remarks fuel debate

Acosta specifically pointed to concerns raised by CBS figures, including comments he attributed to veteran journalist Scott Pelley, who was fired after a heated clash with network executives over sweeping cuts at ‘60 Minutes’.

“When Scott Pelley is saying that the people at CBS are telling him to inject political bias and falsehoods into his reporting, that should be a hair-on-fire moment for all Americans,” Acosta said.

The dispute centers in part around a withheld ‘60 Minutes’ segment involving reports on conditions at El Salvador’s CECOT prison.

CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss defended the decision, saying the story lacked sufficient context and key voices. “I look forward to airing this important piece when it’s ready,” Weiss said in a statement reported by the New York Times.

She added that holding stories for editorial reasons “happens every day in every newsroom”.

According to CNN’s Brian Stelter, Weiss later told colleagues she held the report because it did not sufficiently advance previous reporting and lacked interviews with key principals.

Jim Acosta calls current media situation 'a very serious moment'

Acosta also referenced his own experience in television news while warning about the direction of the industry.

“And Don [Lemon] and I, we have felt these pressures,” he said. “This is a very serious moment in this country right now.”

The former CNN correspondent’s comments carry additional context because CNN is part of the broader media consolidation discussion he referenced. Paramount Skydance announced in February that it had agreed to acquire all of Warner Bros Discovery in a deal valued at $110 billion, with the transaction expected to close no earlier than September 30, 2026.

Acosta closed his remarks by linking his concerns directly to Trump, saying, “He’s gone after Stephen Colbert. He’s trying to go after Jimmy Kimmel. They’re trying to put together a state-dominated media system in this country. And it has to be stopped.”

For now, CBS leadership continues to defend its editorial decisions, while major media mergers and industry restructuring remain under scrutiny as the proposed Warner Bros Discovery deal moves toward its expected closing date.