The proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has raised alarm over potential media control in the United States. If approved, the merger would significantly reshape the landscape of film and television, giving the new entity unprecedented influence over news and entertainment. This move comes amidst increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies and concerns regarding the implications for media diversity and independence.
The deal, first announced on September 11, 2025, would consolidate operations of two major players in the media industry, resulting in one of the largest media conglomerates in the world. As it stands, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery would control more than a quarter of the estimated US$223 billion U.S. media market. This includes nearly half of the cable television market, encompassing popular networks such as HBO and CNN. The merger would also nearly double Paramount’s share of the video streaming market by integrating platforms like HBO Max, Paramount+, and Discovery.
Concerns regarding the merger have been amplified by the historical context of media consolidation in the U.S. Antitrust agencies have typically scrutinized such mergers due to fears that market concentration can lead to biased reporting and a diminished diversity of viewpoints. With the potential for the new conglomerate to align itself with the interests of the Trump administration, critics argue that the merger could threaten journalistic integrity and increase ideological manipulation in media.
The influence of Donald Trump on this merger is particularly noteworthy. The former president has previously expressed his disdain for figures like Jimmy Kimmel, and the merger would place substantial media power in the hands of executives with close ties to Trump. David Ellison, head of Skydance Media and son of Oracle’s Larry Ellison, has been linked to Trump through various business dealings. This connection raises questions about editorial independence at major news outlets like CBS and CNN, which could be pressured to align their reporting with the administration’s interests.
The merger’s potential effects extend beyond entertainment and into the realm of political discourse. It follows significant cuts to public media funding during Trump’s administration, which impacted organizations like PBS and NPR. These cuts have been seen as part of a broader trend towards the erosion of local, independent news organizations, further consolidating power among a few large media entities.
Should the merger proceed, it would create a media landscape where companies like Fox Corporation and Sinclair Broadcasting, alongside the new Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery conglomerate, would control a substantial portion of U.S. media. This consolidation could exacerbate political polarization, as the overlapping interests of these companies may lead to a homogenization of viewpoints and a reduction in critical reporting.
Furthermore, the merger could enhance the negotiating power of the newly formed entity with streaming platforms and advertisers. The combined resources and established brands, including franchises like Harry Potter and DC Comics, would enable the company to secure more favorable deals, potentially impacting the overall landscape of media consumption.
The merger’s implications have been met with skepticism from various quarters, particularly given the current climate surrounding media regulation and control. As streaming becomes the dominant mode of content delivery, the potential for powerful owners to dictate terms and influence narratives grows. The 2023 Hollywood writers and actors strikes highlighted ongoing challenges faced by creative workers in an industry increasingly dominated by corporate interests.
As discussions around the merger continue, the focus remains on its potential to reshape the U.S. media landscape. With the possibility of further entrenching partisan control over news and entertainment, this merger could mark a significant turning point in how information is produced and consumed in America. The regulatory review process will be crucial in determining whether this deal will proceed, and how it may affect the dynamics of media power in the years to come.
