An authoritarian takeover of our media
An authoritarian takeover of our media
- Wed, Sep 23 2026 at 8:11 AM
Mark,
We’re still reeling from Monday’s news that the Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery merger will go through after so many of us worked hard to stop it. Betrayal, disappointment … outrage. We’re feeling it all, and we’re sure you are too.
One family now owns CBS, CNN, HBO, two of the five-largest movie studios and so much more. The state attorneys general folded after promising to put up a fight. And this is happening even as Trump blocks CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.1
This has been a rough week for independent media — for honest coverage that’s shielded from billionaires’ corruption and the federal government’s censorship. But we’re inspired by people like you who took action to block the merger because you know that the future of our media and our democracy are on the line. All the blatant capitulation and corruption won’t stop us from fighting back and reclaiming our media system.
You showed up when we asked. The coalitions we built, the press coverage we shaped, the lawsuit we pushed for: You were part of it all.
Let's recap: This country’s billionaire class and their lackeys are distorting and silencing major news outlets at the president’s request. Whether it’s through the Ellison-family power grab or the removal of press credentials for outlets covering the White House, this authoritarian administration will always try to control what we see and hear.
The White House and its billionaire allies want to rewrite the truth to serve their own interests. They reject accountability and they will jeopardize lives and livelihoods to crack down on dissent.
So today, let’s feel that betrayal and disappointment, but let’s also remember that our movement is only growing. We’ll keep fighting to roll back consolidation, rein in corruption and rebuild public media to meet community needs — and we know you will too.
Thank you for being with us,
All of us at Free Press1. “CNN, MS NOW and Politico Sue Trump Administration Over White House Access,” CNN, Sept. 21, 2026
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