Block the WBD-PSKY Merger
This is not a done deal.
It's not too late to protect indie film by standing up for audiences, industry workers, and local communities.
This is our moment to act.
What's Happening?
The proposed Warner Bros. Discovery–Paramount transaction would combine two of the largest entertainment companies in the world, further concentrating control over content libraries, television networks, streaming platforms, and the pipelines for content development, production, and distribution.
Despite what the media says, THIS IS NOT A DONE DEAL.
So, what's next…and who has the power to stop it?
- State Attorneys General (AGs) are key enforcers of state and federal laws governing consumer protection, antitrust, and civil rights. Right now, they are among the primary regulators positioned to challenge this proposed merger by filing a preliminary injunction before the DOJ rubber stamps the transaction.
THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN ASAP.
- Issuing a preliminary injunction could ultimately block the merger altogether or result in settlements, structural remedies, or consent agreements designed to mitigate the harms of excessive consolidation and restore fair competition in the marketplace.
- In recent years, State AGs have successfully brought major antitrust cases to court, including the blocking of the Albertsons–Kroger grocery merger, demonstrating that state enforcement can play a decisive role in protecting competitive markets.
The takeaway? If state AG offices do not take action now, we could lose this opportunity.
The time to act is now.
- If you work in the industry, you work within the film and media supply chain: Your everyday experience navigating the shifting marketplace will help regulators challenge the WBD-PSKY transaction.
- This moment is time-sensitive. State Attorneys General reviewing the merger must decide in the coming months whether to challenge the transaction before it closes. To do that, they need evidence showing how consolidation affects real markets, including employment, distribution access, and independent film circulation.
- This is where Future Film Coalition comes in. We will be acting as a conduit to provide regulators with evidence to help them define how the broader film and media supply chain works.
The takeaway? Your story can help regulators evaluate the competitive effects of this merger.
Take Action
Voicing concern about media consolidation isn't about resisting change. It's about ensuring creativity, local economies, and access to independent films aren't sacrificed for corporate scale and control.
Share Your Story
Your experience is evidence. These stories help regulators and policymakers assess the harm of a WBD-PSKY merger on competition, culture, and local economies.
Tell Your StorySpread the Word
Help us collect more stories. Share this campaign with your network using the social media toolkit.
Social Media ToolkitStand Together
Add your name or organization to show support for the independent film sector, audiences, and local communities.
Add Your NameSign the Petition
Sign the petition calling on the DOJ and State Attorney General offices to block the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger.
Sign NowSupporters
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Donate to Support Future Film Coalition
The Future Film Coalition (FFC) advocates for the independent film sector by uniting independent film professionals and organizations to build collective power and shape strategies that ensure U.S. independent filmmaking flourishes alongside the broader entertainment industry. Your donation helps make this work possible.
Donate NowFrequently Asked Questions
What is #BlockTheMerger?
#BlockTheMerger is a campaign led by the Future Film Coalition to oppose the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery–Paramount (WBD-PSKY) merger. Backed by 230+ allies and 33+ organizations—including the International Documentary Association, Free Press, Common Cause, and Open Markets Institute—the campaign collects testimonials from people across the film ecosystem, mobilizes public opposition, and provides evidence to regulators about the competitive harms of media consolidation.
What is the WBD-PSKY merger?
The WBD-PSKY merger is a proposed transaction that would combine Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount (including Skydance), two of the largest entertainment companies in the world. It would further concentrate control over content libraries, television networks, streaming platforms, and the pipelines for content development, production, and distribution.
Is the WBD-PSKY merger a done deal?
No. Despite media reports, the WBD-PSKY merger is not a done deal. Mergers that may substantially lessen competition can be challenged before they take effect. State Attorneys General have the authority to file a preliminary injunction to block or impose conditions on the transaction.
Who is behind the #BlockTheMerger campaign?
The #BlockTheMerger campaign is led by the Future Film Coalition, a nonprofit organization advocating for the independent film ecosystem. Future Film Coalition created blockthemerger.com to collect testimonials, mobilize public opposition, and provide evidence to State Attorneys General and regulators about the competitive harms of the proposed WBD-PSKY merger.
Who can stop the WBD-PSKY merger?
State Attorneys General (AGs) are the primary regulators positioned to challenge the WBD-PSKY merger by filing a preliminary injunction before the DOJ rubber stamps the transaction. In recent years, State AGs have successfully blocked major mergers including the Albertsons–Kroger grocery merger, demonstrating that state enforcement can play a decisive role in protecting competitive markets.
How can I take action?
Visit blockthemerger.com to share your story about how media consolidation has affected your work or community, sign the petition calling on the DOJ and State Attorneys General to block the merger, add your name or organization to show support, and spread the word using the social media toolkit. Over 230 allies and 33+ organizations have already joined.