Block the Merger Group ‘Disappointed’ and ‘Angry’ Over Paramount Settlement: ‘Not the Last You Will Hear From Us’
"This is a bad deal for the future of film, entertainment, independent journalism, and a strong democracy in this country," the coalition says in a statement The post Block the Merger Group ‘Disappointed’ and ‘Angry’ Over Paramount Settlement: ‘Not the Last You Will Hear From Us’ appeared first on TheWrap .
In a statement released immediately following the announcement of Paramount's settlement with 12 state attorneys general in an antitrust lawsuit, the Block the Merger coalition expressed disappointment and anger. They warned that their fight was far from over, vowing to continue their efforts for accountability and policy reforms to dismantle and prevent the consolidation of large media conglomerates.
The coalition's statement emphasized that the merger between Paramount and the Ellisons was detrimental to the future of film, entertainment, independent journalism, and a robust democracy in the United States. The Block the Merger group criticized the interests of average Americans being sacrificed for the benefit of wealthy individuals, stating, "We are disappointed and angry that the interests of average Americans have been trampled to benefit oligarch billionaires."
Despite the defeat of their immediate goal, the coalition remained resolute in their commitment to fight. They highlighted the support they received from thousands within the film and entertainment industry, elected officials, and the hundreds of thousands who joined their cause, even in the face of potential retaliation. The coalition expressed pride in their accomplishments and affirmed that their collective energy would not wane.
They clarified that their mission was not solely about the specific merger but rather the broader issue of media consolidation and the promotion of diverse voices. The Block the Merger group vowed to keep advocating for policy reforms aimed at breaking up and preventing the formation of such large conglomerates. Although this battle may be concluded in their pursuit to protect democracy, they made it clear that their fight is far from over.
They emphasized that the energy generated by their grassroots movement would not dissipate. The coalition reiterated that their struggle was not confined to a single merger, but rather a continuous battle against the erosion of democratic values and the dominance of oligarchic forces in media and beyond.
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