1 month ago
Block the Merger Submits Evidence to UK Culture Secretary
A group called Block the Merger is trying to stop a big deal that would join Paramount and Warner Bros.
Discovery.
They sent evidence to the UK Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, saying the merger would make one company too powerful.
The coalition worries that the new company would own big news archives like CNN and CBS, making it harder for documentary makers to share stories.
Lisa Nandy said she might step in, but she won’t decide until September 1.
The merger has already faced lawsuits in the United States, and the European Union has approved it.
Block the Merger coalition has submitted evidence to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy about the Paramount‑Warner merger.
The coalition includes the Archival Producers Alliance, International Documentary Association, UK Documentary Film Council, and Democracy Defenders Fund.
They argue the merger would make WarnerMount the third largest linear broadcaster in the UK and combine CNN and CBS News archives.
Lisa Nandy has said she is "minded to intervene" but will not decide until September 1.
The merger has faced legal challenges in the US, with 12 states suing, and the EU has approved it.
- Who
- Block the Merger coalition and UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy
- What
- Submission of evidence to block the Paramount‑Warner merger
- Where
- United Kingdom
- When
- During the summer recess, decision due September 1
- Why
- To prevent a too‑large broadcaster and combined news archives that could harm documentary filmmakers
Key facts
- Merger Value
- $110B
- Decision Deadline
- September 1
- Coalition Members
- Archival Producers Alliance, International Documentary Association, UK Documentary Film Council, Democracy Defenders Fund
- Regulatory Body
- UK Culture Secretary
- Legal Challenges
- 12 US states sued
Quotes
Block the Merger coalition
Coalition of documentary and film organisations opposed to the merger
“the merger is not a done deal, and filmmakers, journalists, archive producers, unions, and consumer advocates on both sides of the Atlantic will keep working to make sure it never is.”
deadline.com
“market data and first‑hand professional evidence as she determines whether to intervene.”
deadline.com
Lisa Nandy
UK Culture Secretary
“minded to intervene.”
deadline.com
Sources
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