Ellison Weighs Musk Investment in Paramount Deal

Paramount CEO David Ellison has considered asking Elon Musk to invest in Paramount as it finances its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to reporting that traced the account to people familiar with the discussions. No investment has been announced, and the amount, terms and any rights attached to it are unknown. The reported possibility would give Musk an indirect financial interest in CNN, which is part of Warner Bros. Discovery, and CBS News, which is part of Paramount. It is not a reported offer to buy either news organization. The account said the discussions concerned an equity investment in Paramount, and did not establish that Musk had been approached or would have a role in editorial decisions. Paramount has been seeking additional investors for the transaction. A potential contribution from Musk could broaden the investor group and reduce the financial burden on Paramount’s existing backers, but no commitment has been confirmed. A Paramount spokesperson declined to comment, and Musk did not respond to a request for comment. The possibility drew attention in part because of Musk’s business ties to David Ellison’s father, Larry Ellison.