Media consolidation isn't abstract.
It determines who gets seen, who gets paid, and who decides what stories reach the public.
Protect indie film by standing up for audiences, industry workers, and local communities.
This is our moment to act.
What Is Media Consolidation?
And what it means for audiences, workers, and local communities
A small number of large corporations already control much of the media we watch. When those companies merge, even more power is concentrated in fewer hands. That affects not just filmmakers, but local businesses, workers, and audiences across the country.
Media consolidation happens when large media companies merge or buy each other, reducing the number of independent companies that create, distribute, and show films and television. Over time, control over what we watch becomes concentrated in fewer corporate hands.
Today, a small number of companies already dominate film and television production, streaming, and distribution. Further consolidation would give these companies even more power over which stories are told, who gets paid, and what audiences are able to see.
Here's what's at risk
Fewer Choices and Fewer Stories
When big media companies merge, there are fewer places for independent films to be bought or shown. That means fewer stories are made, and fewer voices and perspectives are represented.
Harder for Films to Reach Audiences
Big media companies can decide where and how a film is released—or whether it's released at all. Important films may never reach theaters, schools, or communities that want to see them.
Lower Pay for Creative Workers
As companies get bigger and competition shrinks, budgets often go down. Writers, actors, directors, crew members, editors, and other workers are paid less for their work—or can't find work at all.
Loss of Long-Term Income for Creators
Many filmmakers used to earn income over time when their work was shown again or sold in new ways. Today, large companies increasingly demand full ownership of films, cutting creators off from future earnings.
Fewer Career Opportunities
Shorter productions and fewer outlets mean fewer chances for people to build lasting careers in film and TV, especially for new and emerging talent.
Local Theaters and Film Festivals at Risk
Independent movie theaters and film festivals are small businesses that bring people together in towns and cities across the country. Mergers can limit their ability to access new releases or classic films that help keep their doors open.
Finished Films Disappearing
After recent mergers, companies have cancelled production, shelved, or buried films and TV shows. Years of creative work can simply vanish, never to be seen by the public.
Less Creative Freedom
When media ownership is concentrated, companies are more likely to avoid stories that feel risky, challenging, or controversial. That leads to fewer diverse perspectives and a narrower range of ideas in our culture.
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Decisions about media mergers are being made right now.
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.
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