Journalists slam proposed Paramount merger as threat to press freedom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: A group of award-winning journalists and documentarians expressed strong opposition to the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery during a press conference today, citing the threat the deal poses to journalism and American democracy. Journalists Kara Swisher, Jim Acosta, and Katie Phang along with Emmy-winning documentary filmmakers Laura Poitras and Geeta Gandbhir spoke at the event, hosted by Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF), Democracy Defenders Fund , International Documentary Association , Future Film Coalition , and Free Press . The 2026 News & Documentary Emmy Awards, which begin tonight, celebrate achievements that wouldn’t be possible without press freedom and editorial independence. But, as the speakers discussed, Paramount CE…