More than 1,000 Hollywood figures have signed a letter opposing the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery.
In the April 13 letter, the group of actors, directors, and industry professionals argued that the acquisition “would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape,” reducing competition at a time when they say the industry “can least afford it.” The group said such consolidation would lead to fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across productions, higher costs, and less content choice for global audiences.
The signatories said that if completed, the merger would reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four. They stated that ongoing consolidation had already contributed to a decline in mid-budget and independent films, along with a narrowing of storytelling diversity as decision-making has become concentrated among a small number of powerful companies….