Murphy targets Paramount-Skydance-Warner merger, says he’ll ‘break’ it as gala fuels backlash
WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic Senator Chris Murphy has sharply criticized the newly approved merger between Paramount, Skydance, and Warner Bros.
Discovery, signaling that Democrats could move to challenge the deal if they return to power.
His remarks come days after shareholders approved the $111 billion transaction, which combines major media assets including Warner Bros., HBO Max, CNN, CBS, and Skydance.
Murphy’s comments followed a high-profile event hosted by Paramount CEO David Ellison at the US Institute of Peace, a venue recently renamed after President Donald Trump.
The gathering, described as a First Amendment–focused celebration, has drawn scrutiny amid the scale and timing of the merger.
The deal marks one of the largest consolidations in modern media, bringing together multiple broadcast, streaming, and film platforms under a single corporate structure led by David Ellison, alongside backing linked to Oracle founder Larry Ellison.
Ellison gala celebrates Trump White House
The event hosted by Ellison has become a focal point of political reaction to the merger.
Invitations described the gathering as an “intimate” celebration recognizing the Trump White House and members of the press corps.
Murphy shared details of the event publicly, raising concerns about the optics of a major corporate merger being celebrated in a government-linked venue.
He stated that the consolidation could have implications for competition and media plurality, and indicated that Democrats would revisit the deal under potential future antitrust reviews.
The merger still requires approval from the Department of Justice, though analysts expect the process to move forward under the current administration.
Hollywood creators fear studio consolidation
The transaction has also drawn opposition from within the entertainment industry.
In April, more than 100 directors, actors, and producers signed an open letter opposing the merger, warning that it could reduce the number of major US film studios to four.
The letter stated that further consolidation could impact competition, employment, and the diversity of content produced.
Signatories expressed concern that fewer independent decision-makers could lead to reduced opportunities for new projects and voices.
Industry observers note that the potential integration of Paramount+ and HBO Max into a unified platform is intended to strengthen competition with established streaming leaders such as Netflix.
However, critics argue that the long-term effects on pricing, jobs, and creative output remain uncertain.
DOJ approval looms for $111B deal
Despite shareholder approval, the $111 billion merger is still subject to federal regulatory review.
The Department of Justice will assess the deal’s impact on competition across news, entertainment, and streaming markets.
The transaction is currently projected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory clearance.
Given its size and scope, the review process is expected to examine both market concentration and potential effects on consumers.
Murphy and other Democratic lawmakers have indicated they will continue to scrutinize the merger as it moves through the approval process
