According to Reuters and The New York Times, on March 13 local time, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticized CNN's coverage of the Iran war and expressed hope that David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Pictures and a close ally of President Trump, would take over CNN.

Austin The New York Times

On March 12 local time, CNN reported that the Pentagon and the White House National Security Council had seriously underestimated Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz. The report cited several sources familiar with the situation.

Austin criticized this and said, "The sooner Ellison takes over this media outlet, the better."

The report mentioned that Austin was referring to Paramount's $11 billion plan to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN.

A CNN spokesperson said, "We stand by our reporting."

Paramount did not comment on this.

The report stated that Austin's remarks have increased concerns among CNN and other media outlets that Ellison might steer CNN's reporting in a direction favorable to Trump.

It is known that Ellison has close ties with the Trump administration and is leading the Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros. The deal between Paramount and Warner Bros. requires approval from the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission said this month that the agency would not block the transaction.

In 2025, Ellison acquired CBS and appointed Barry Weiss as the executive editor of CBS News. Weiss is critical of traditional media, and her appointment sparked criticism from liberal groups and some CBS journalists, especially after she delayed the broadcast of a segment on CBS' 60 Minutes that criticized the Trump administration.

Weiss stated at the time that she acted independently.

The report noted that both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the media merger deal. They believe it could reduce consumer choices and increase costs. Critics also worry the deal may affect editorial independence and weaken press freedom.

Previously, Ellison told CNBC that CNN is "an amazing brand with an excellent team." He said, "Editorial independence will absolutely be maintained. It was the case at CBS, and it will be the same at CNN."

According to the report, Trump once said that he and Ellison and his father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, are "friends" and that they would "do the right thing" in the news business. However, he also criticized the 60 Minutes program, saying it has been "worse" toward him since the so-called "takeover."

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7616996849458692660/

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