I've Looked At Huge Media Mergers From Both Sides Now ...

In 1989 Paramount's chief argued that Time's attempt to merge with Warner was really a sale, so he should legally be free to horn in. With his own merger, the tune changed.

"Once ((Time Inc.)) made the agreement with Warner's, they put themselves available to other bidders."

-- Paramount chairman and CEO Martin Davis, June 6, 1989

"Paramount chose to merge with Viacom; it did not choose to put Paramount up 'for sale.' "

-- Paramount brief filed last week in opposition to the QVC Network's suit to block the merger