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Tennessee Conservative News [By Olivia Lupia] –
The Volunteer State has officially invited Paramount Skydance to relocate to Tennessee as the entertainment giant faces major roadblocks in California over its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. And hot on the heels of the state’s $30 million grant to Starbucks, questions are being raised about whether the company will align with Tennessee values and if taxpayer dollars may be used to entice or incentivize the corporation.
Paramount is currently in the midst of a proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery but is now battling California and 11 other Democrat-led states seeking to block the acquisition through an antitrust lawsuit.
In response, Tennessee Deputy Gov. Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, who oversees the state’s FastTrack grant program, wrote to Paramount CEO David Ellison, urging him to consider relocating the company’s headquarters to the Volunteer state.
In the July 2 letter McWhorter extolled Tennessee’s business-friendly climate with success “rooted in fiscal discipline, low taxes, predictable governance, and a steadfast belief that government should be a partner in private-sector growth. Companies that choose Tennessee find more than a favorable business climate- the find a state committed to helping them succeed.”
McWhorter also promoted Nashville’s geographic advantages and the state’s growing technology and entertainment sectors, emphasizing the state is home to a diverse workforce ranging from software engineers and technology professionals to musicians, entertainers, and storytellers alongside the cultivation of leaders in entertainment, digital content, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technology.
“But ultimately what distinguishes Tennessee is our character. This is a state where people still believe in service, community, and the importance of family…We are a place where employees can build meaningful careers and where families can build extraordinary lives… As Paramount Skydance writes its next chapter, Tennessee offers a compelling proposition: a state where creativity and technology converge, where talent is developed intentionally, and where innovation is embraced,” he invites.
The state’s outreach comes as advisors and friends to Paramount CEO David Ellision have reportedly encouraged him to consider relocating company headquarters if the merger became further entangled in legal challenges, though a move may not be ideal as the company only recently relocated operations from New York.
Ellison and his family maintain strong ties to Tennessee where he lived on and off for over a decade between 2014 to 2025, selling his home in the state after Paramount’s bid to acquire Skydance closed. Ellison’s father Larry Ellison leads technology company Oracle, which is planning to build a massive campus in Nashville. Oracle Co-CEO Clay Magouyrk also resides in Tennessee.
While McWhorter’s letter did not outline any potential financial incentives for the company should they accept the invitation, it is probable that any such deals or enticements would come through the state’s FastTrack grant program, the same entity which approved the $30 million investment in coffee giant Starbucks.
The move has caused a fair amount of pushback as it is not only another instance of corporate welfare without the consent of the taxpayer, but also for the state’s courting of a company which has often stood in direct contrast to the values and ideals Tennessee officials espouse and conservatives fight to preserve.
While Paramount has verified the receipt and authenticity of the letter, it has declined to comment further on the proposition or any other relocation possibilities.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Yup, like the Starbucks boondoggle, importing more of lucifer’s accursed dimmercraps who’ll profane TN. Stuart McWhorter and his Department of Economic and Community Development NEED FIRED!!