{"id":1882535,"date":"2026-04-14T07:02:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T04:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1882535"},"modified":"2026-04-14T07:02:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T04:02:18","slug":"block-the-merger-thousands-of-industry-professionals-speak-out-against-paramount-warner-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1882535","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Block the merger\u2019: Thousands of industry professionals speak out against Paramount-Warner deal"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/09\/86\/1200x675_cmsv2_0b1eefb6-d402-591d-a614-d74adab24bb7-9720986.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2886229-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886229\" data-cid=\"9722025\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886229-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/20\/25\/189x106_cmsv2_e99d984f-cafa-52d4-8812-3edd361c1054-9722025.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The US, Lebanese and Israeli delegations pose for a photo before a meeting at the State Department in Washington, 14 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israeli envoy hails &#8216;wonderful exchange&#8217; following talks with Lebanon\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886152-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886152\" data-cid=\"9721693\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886152-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/16\/93\/189x106_cmsv2_695a29c6-94d7-578e-ae30-37b18060da55-9721693.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sorda (Deaf) is also one of Euronews Culture's favourite films of 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish film \u2018Deaf\u2019 wins the 2026 LUX Prize\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886228-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2886228\" data-cid=\"9722024\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886228-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/20\/24\/189x106_cmsv2_c6465471-9f06-5609-b7f0-93b2aaa6e06d-9722024.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='People take part in the annual \"March of the Living\" to commemorate the Holocaust in O\u015bwi\u0119cim, 14 April, 2026' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thousands in Poland remember Holocaust at &#8216;March of the Living&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886234-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886234\" data-cid=\"9722125\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886234-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/21\/25\/189x106_cmsv2_649cad08-70f9-5514-a373-938baed278fe-9722125.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Damage is visible on a residential building in southeastern Tehran, 14 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Diplomats try to arrange second round of US-Iran peace talks\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886229-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886229\" data-cid=\"9722025\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886229-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/20\/25\/189x106_cmsv2_e99d984f-cafa-52d4-8812-3edd361c1054-9722025.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The US, Lebanese and Israeli delegations pose for a photo before a meeting at the State Department in Washington, 14 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israeli envoy hails &#8216;wonderful exchange&#8217; following talks with Lebanon\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886152-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886152\" data-cid=\"9721693\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886152-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/16\/93\/189x106_cmsv2_695a29c6-94d7-578e-ae30-37b18060da55-9721693.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sorda (Deaf) is also one of Euronews Culture's favourite films of 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish film \u2018Deaf\u2019 wins the 2026 LUX Prize\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886228-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2886228\" data-cid=\"9722024\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886228-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/20\/24\/189x106_cmsv2_c6465471-9f06-5609-b7f0-93b2aaa6e06d-9722024.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='People take part in the annual \"March of the Living\" to commemorate the Holocaust in O\u015bwi\u0119cim, 14 April, 2026' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thousands in Poland remember Holocaust at &#8216;March of the Living&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886234-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2886234\" data-cid=\"9722125\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886234-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/21\/25\/189x106_cmsv2_649cad08-70f9-5514-a373-938baed278fe-9722125.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Damage is visible on a residential building in southeastern Tehran, 14 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Diplomats try to arrange second round of US-Iran peace talks\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Culture<\/p>\n<p>                          Culture news<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            \u2018Block the merger\u2019: Thousands of industry professionals speak out against Paramount-Warner deal<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/09\/86\/1536x864_cmsv2_0b1eefb6-d402-591d-a614-d74adab24bb7-9720986.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"\u2018Block the Merger\u2019: Hollywood A-listers vs Paramount-Warner deal \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              \u2018Block the Merger\u2019: Hollywood A-listers vs Paramount-Warner deal<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspDavid Mouriquand\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1776150138\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-14 09:02:18 +02:00\">14\/04\/2026 &#8211; 9:02 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" 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class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        More than 1,000 film and TV stars and creatives, including Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Thompson and Javier Bardem, issued an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance\u2019s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--culture js-article-content\">\n<p>After Paramount Skydance reached a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in late February after Netflix dropped its bid for the company, many saw this merger as a bleak omen for cinema.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If successful, the deal &#8211; estimated at around $111bn &#8211; would consolidate two of Hollywood\u2019s most significant studios. It would reduce the number of US film studios to four, and many believe the merger would result in diminishing quality and significant job losses.<\/p>\n<p>Paramount chief executive David Ellison has asserted the deal would be good for the creative community. However, Ellison and his father Larry Ellison both have close ties to Donald Trump \u2013 something which has prompted fears that the merger would mean fewer films like recent Oscar winners <strong><em>One Battle After Another<\/em><\/strong> and <strong><em>Sinners<\/em><\/strong>, both Warner Bros. titles which engage in politics and explore topics which Trump would frown upon.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Oscars 2026: \u2018One Battle After Another\u2019 triumphs &#8211; Full results &amp; viral moments <\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Euronews Culture&#8217;s Film of the Week: \u2018One Battle After Another\u2019 &#8211; PTA\u2019s talkin&#8217; &#8217;bout a revolution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Now, more than 1,000 film and TV stars and creatives, including Joaquin Phoenix, Jane Fonda, Bryan Cranston, Laura Poitras, Javier Bardem, David Fincher, Denis Villeneuve, Mark Ruffalo, Emma Thompson and Yorgos Lanthimos have signed an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance\u2019s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good,\u201d the letter, available on the website BlocktheMerger.com, states. \u201cThe integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The letter argues that \u201cmedia consolidation has already weakened one of America\u2019s most vital global industries \u2013 one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world\u201d and concludes that a \u201cvibrant future\u201d must be ensured for the US\u2019 \u201csingle most significant export\u201d.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Scroll down to read the full letter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Paramount issued a statement in response to the letter:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cWe hear and understand the concerns that some in our creative community have raised and respect the commitment to protecting and expanding creativity.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Importantly, as creators we know firsthand that this is also a moment when the industry has been facing significant disruption &#8211; and the need for strong, creative-first and well-capitalized companies that can continue to invest in storytelling has never been greater.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>This transaction uniquely brings together complementary strengths to create a company that can greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a truly global scale &#8211; while strengthening competition by ensuring multiple scaled players are investing in creative talent.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>We have been clear in our commitments to do just that: increasing output to a minimum of 30 high-quality feature films annually with full theatrical releases, continuing to license content, and preserving iconic brands with independent creative leadership &#8211; ensuring creators have more avenues for their work, not fewer.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>We understand the concerns raised as a result of the disruptions caused to our industry by COVID, entry of big-tech, and changes in consumer behavior, but we promise this: Paramount remains deeply committed to talent, and this merger strengthens both consumer choice and competition, creating greater opportunities for creators, audiences and the communities they live and work in.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The deal still needs to be approved by shareholders later this month, as well as get a stamp of approval from government regulators. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Read the open letter in full below:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;As filmmakers, documentarians, and professionals across the movie and television industry, we write to express our unequivocal opposition to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries &#8211; and the audiences we serve &#8211; can least afford it. The result will be fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across the production ecosystem, higher costs, and less choice for audiences in the United States and around the world. Alarmingly, this merger would reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Our industry is already under severe strain, in large part due to prior waves of consolidation. We have witnessed a steep decline in the number of films produced and released, alongside a narrowing of the kinds of stories that are financed and distributed. Increasingly, a small number of powerful entities determine what gets made &#8211; and on what terms &#8211; leaving creators and independent businesses with fewer viable paths to sustain their work.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Media consolidation has accelerated the disappearance of the mid-budget film, the erosion of independent distribution, the collapse of the international sales market, the elimination of meaningful profit participation, and the weakening of screen credit integrity.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Together, these factors threaten the sustainability of the entire creative community. That includes endangering the professional lives of the tens of thousands of workers who help make up that community in predominantly small businesses and independent companies embedded in local economies and communities nationwide.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good. The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement. Media consolidation has already weakened one of America\u2019s most vital global industries &#8211; one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Fortunately, someone is doing something about all this. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and his colleagues in other states are repotedly scrutinizing the merger and considering legal action to block it. We are grateful for their leadership, and stand ready to support all efforts to preserve competition, protect jobs, and ensure a vibrant future for our industry, for American culture, and for our single most significant export.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2878687-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 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src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885098-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885098\" data-cid=\"9716865\" 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alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2878687-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2878687\" data-cid=\"9686604\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2878687-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/68\/66\/04\/480x270_cmsv2_a757c3fb-9981-5fdc-8adf-d15993cf7507-9686604.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Oscars 2026: \u2018One Battle After Another\u2019 triumphs - Full results &amp; viral moments \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oscars 2026: \u2018One Battle After Another\u2019 triumphs &#8211; Full results<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2833938-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2833938\" data-cid=\"9483227\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2833938-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/48\/32\/27\/480x270_cmsv2_a22270df-1bf9-5379-b83c-177eabef4de3-9483227.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Film of the Week: One Battle After 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the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886172\" data-cid=\"9721757\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886172-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/17\/57\/320x180_cmsv2_44a0f00d-1a8f-54e4-a9b5-5499272be3f5-9721757.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Conservative MP calls for musician DJ Haram to be barred from UK \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Conservative MP reportedly calls for DJ Haram to be barred from UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886057-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886057\" data-cid=\"9721162\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886057-label-pos5-top-stories\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/15\/40\/320x180_cmsv2_4372c910-c935-5d18-983c-dadd598c941e-9721540.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"New poll reveals Dolly Parton is the most popular person in America\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New poll reveals the identity of the most popular person in America<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885098-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885098\" data-cid=\"9716865\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New report suggests Christopher Columbus was from Galician nobility<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884678-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884678\" data-cid=\"9718075\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Sensational find: Archaeologists recover 1000 objects from Swiss lake<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886057-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886057\" data-cid=\"9721162\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Celebrities speak out against Donald Trump\u2019s AI Jesus image<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884451-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884451\" data-cid=\"9713629\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The best things to do, hear, see or watch in Europe this week<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2869731-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2869731\" data-cid=\"9648318\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;A heartbreaking loss&#8217;: Celebrities pay tribute to James Van Der Beek<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">After Paramount Skydance reached a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in late February after Netflix dropped its bid for the company, many saw this merger as a bleak omen for cinema.If successful, the deal\u00a0&#8211; estimated at around $111bn &#8211; would consolidate two of Hollywood\u2019s most significant studios. It would reduce the number of US film studios to four, and many believe the merger would result in diminishing quality and significant job losses.Paramount chief executive David Ellison has asserted the deal would be good for the creative community. However, Ellison and his father Larry Ellison both have close ties to Donald Trump \u2013 something which has prompted fears that the merger would mean fewer films like recent Oscar winners One Battle After Another and Sinners, both Warner Bros. titles\u00a0which engage in politics and explore topics which Trump would frown upon.Now, more than 1,000 film and TV stars and creatives, including Joaquin Phoenix, Jane Fonda, Bryan Cranston, Laura Poitras, Javier Bardem, David Fincher, Denis Villeneuve, Mark Ruffalo, Emma Thompson and Yorgos Lanthimos have signed an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance\u2019s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.\u201cWe are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good,\u201d the letter, available\u00a0on the website BlocktheMerger.com, states. \u201cThe integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement.\u201dThe letter argues that \u201cmedia consolidation has already weakened one of America\u2019s most vital global industries \u2013 one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world\u201d and concludes that a \u201cvibrant future\u201d must be ensured for the US\u2019 \u201csingle most significant export\u201d.Scroll down to read the full letter. \u00a0Paramount issued a statement in response to the letter:\u201cWe hear and understand the concerns that some in our creative community have raised and respect the commitment to protecting and expanding creativity.Importantly, as creators we know firsthand that this is also a moment when the industry has been facing significant disruption &#8211; and the need for strong, creative-first and well-capitalized companies that can continue to invest in storytelling has never been greater.This transaction uniquely brings together complementary strengths to create a company that can greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a truly global scale &#8211; while strengthening competition by ensuring multiple scaled players are investing in creative talent.We have been clear in our commitments to do just that: increasing output to a minimum of 30 high-quality feature films annually with full theatrical releases, continuing to license content, and preserving iconic brands with independent creative leadership &#8211; ensuring creators have more avenues for their work, not fewer.We understand the concerns raised as a result of the disruptions caused to our industry by COVID, entry of big-tech, and changes in consumer behavior, but we promise this: Paramount remains deeply committed to talent, and this merger strengthens both consumer choice and competition, creating greater opportunities for creators,\u00a0audiences and the communities they live and work in.\u201d\u00a0The deal still needs to be approved by shareholders later this month, as well as get a stamp of approval from government regulators.\u00a0Read the open letter in full below:&#8221;As filmmakers, documentarians, and professionals across the movie and television industry, we write to express our unequivocal opposition to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries &#8211; and the audiences we serve &#8211; can least afford it. The result will be fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across the production ecosystem, higher costs, and less choice for audiences in the United States and around the world. Alarmingly, this merger would reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four.Our industry is already under severe strain, in large part due to prior waves of consolidation. We have witnessed a steep decline in the number of films produced and released, alongside a narrowing of the kinds of stories that are financed and distributed. Increasingly, a small number of powerful entities determine what gets made &#8211; and on what terms &#8211; leaving creators and independent businesses with fewer viable paths to sustain their work.Media consolidation has accelerated the disappearance of the mid-budget film, the erosion of independent distribution, the collapse of the international sales market, the elimination of meaningful profit participation, and the weakening of screen credit integrity.Together, these factors threaten the sustainability of the entire creative community. That includes endangering the professional lives of the tens of thousands of workers who help make up that community in predominantly small businesses and independent companies embedded in local economies and communities nationwide.We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good. The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised.Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement. Media consolidation has already weakened one of America\u2019s most vital global industries &#8211; one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world.Fortunately, someone is doing something about all this. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and his colleagues in other states are repotedly\u00a0scrutinizing the merger and considering legal action to block it. We are grateful for their leadership, and stand ready to support all efforts to preserve competition, protect jobs, and ensure a vibrant future for our industry, for American culture, and for our single most significant export.&#8221;<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2026\/04\/14\/block-the-merger-thousands-of-industry-professionals-speak-out-against-paramount-warner-de&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/09\/86\/1200x675_cmsv2_0b1eefb6-d402-591d-a614-d74adab24bb7-9720986.jpg&#8221;] Iran Israeli envoy hails &#8216;wonderful exchange&#8217; following talks with Lebanon Cinema Spanish film \u2018Deaf\u2019 wins the 2026 LUX Prize Europe News Thousands in Poland remember Holocaust at &#8216;March of the Living&#8217; Iran Diplomats try to arrange second round of US-Iran peace talks Iran Israeli envoy hails &#8216;wonderful exchange&#8217; following talks with Lebanon [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1882535","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1882535","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1882535"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1882535\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1882535"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1882535"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1882535"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}