CBS News journalists were reportedly stunned after their own network's parent company hosted a private dinner honoring President Donald Trump, as it seeks federal approval for a massive media deal.
According to The New York Times, Paramount hosted the event in Washington, D.C., where billionaire executive David Ellison praised Trump and senior administration officials while the company pursues a $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery.
But several CBS News journalists said they were "taken aback by the existence of the dinner," the Times reported Friday. "They described consternation within the CBS newsroom over the event's potential to create a perception of coziness between the news division and the Trump administration."
The gathering, which included protesters outside chanting, "block the merger," was attended by CBS figures and journalists like Bari Weiss, the network's editor in chief, and Norah O'Donnell, the former "Evening News" anchor. Invitations described the evening as "honoring the Trump White House," the report said. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Stephen Miller also attended.
While journalists routinely attend events with political figures as part of their reporting, the Times noted it is rare for a major media organization to sponsor an event aimed at hosting the officials it covers — "and even rarer still when it has a major transaction pending before the federal government."
Paramount is currently seeking regulatory approval for its proposed deal, which would place major outlets, including CNN and HBO, under Ellison's control.
This is not the first time Paramount has faced accusations of cozying up to Trump to smooth the path for its merger. Paramount previously settled Trump's lawsuit against CBS News for $16 million, with some executives privately fearing the payment could be construed as a bribe.