Jane Fonda urges action against Paramount-WBD merger at protest event
The actor called on attendees to oppose the proposed Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger
Jane Fonda pushed audience to oppose the planned merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, warning that it could reduce media diversity and weaken freedom of expression.
Speaking at the Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment event in New York City, the actor encouraged attendees to sign petitions and pressure state attorneys general to block the deal.
“Sign a petition to tell your state attorneys general to block the Paramount Warner Brothers merger,” Fonda said. “This is a direct attack on free speech, freedom of expression.”
Fonda, who was previously married to late CNN founder Ted Turner, said she was particularly concerned about the impact on the news network.
“I have a personal stake in CNN. I don’t want to see it go that way,” she said. “You’re going to get a very thinned out kind of culture. It’ll be flattened. Freedom of expression, independence, and diverse news.”
Debate Over Media Ownership Intensifies
The remarks come as the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount continues to move through regulatory review, following clearance from the US Department of Justice. The deal still requires approval from regulators in the European Union and the United Kingdom.
While attorneys general cannot directly block mergers, they can challenge them in court. California’s attorney general is reportedly preparing a potential legal case to review the combination.
The event where Fonda spoke was organised by the Committee for the First Amendment and also featured appearances from actors, musicians and activists.
Robert De Niro used part of his appearance to criticise political figures and defend free speech, delivering an extended address that drew strong reactions from the audience.
The gathering also included performances by Patti Smith and Rufus Wainwright, alongside appearances from figures including Julia Roberts, Bette Midler, Ayo Edebiri and Tessa Thompson.
Speakers at the event repeatedly emphasised concerns around civil liberties, media independence and political influence over cultural institutions.
Fonda’s comments added to growing public debate over media consolidation and its potential impact on journalism, entertainment and news diversity in the United States.
