We need your help

This is a calculated push to blindfold the American people.

Pamela, this is not a drill; our right to a free press is under attack! For a healthy democracy, we need access to independent news and fact-based information. But Donald Trump and his billionaire friends don’t agree – so Trump is trying to strongarm every news outlet he can into falling in line – or else. [1] Just one example: right now, Paramount is trying to buy Warner Bros. Discovery – placing one single company (owned by the Ellison family of major MAGA donors) in total control over CBS, TikTok, CNN, HBO, and more. Warner Bros.’ current CEO, David Zaslav, will pocket over $800 million – while you and I will pay the price as a few media companies grow ever-larger. [2] And there’s nothing stopping the Ellisons from doing to CNN what they already did to CBS News to get this merger approved. In just the past year, they have: Settled a $16-million lawsuit with President Trump, coincidentally, while seeking the government’s approval for their last mega-merger. [3] Pulled a “60 Minutes” segment that criticized the Trump administration’s anti-immigration crackdown right before it was planned to air. [4] Blocked Stephen Colbert’s interview with U.S Senate candidate James Talarico – and told Colbert not to mention the censorship on air. [5] Here’s what’s at stake: under the Ellison family’s control, CNN could shift into yet another media mouthpiece for the billionaire class. And while Ellison profits from propaganda, millions of Americans will pay the cost we always end up paying in these mergers: higher bills, fewer choices, and mass layoffs. So, I need your help to stop this calculated push to blindfold the American people – and control what we see, hear, and think. Because the truth is, this is far from a done deal. Remember last year, when together, we stood up to Disney and ABC’s politically motivated cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel? [6] You spoke up for the First Amendment and got results – because people power can take on Trump’s intimidation and lies—and win. And Common Cause is not stopping there. We’re urging regulators at the federal and state level (since they’re not just Trump cronies) to block this mega-merger that would give one company unprecedented control of our media and democracy. Now more than ever, we must stop billionaires’ push to suppress free and independent media. I hope you’ll consider chipping in $5 (or whatever you can spare) today. If you've saved your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly: CHIP IN $5 CHIP IN $10 CHIP IN $20 CHIP IN $35 CHIP IN $50 CHIP IN $100 CHIP IN OTHER AMOUNT Your support will help us continue to fight against corporate influence in our media. Thank you for all you do, The team at Common Cause [1] https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/14/world/middleeast/fcc-broadcasters-iran-war.html [2]https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/warner-bros-ceo-pocket-up-887-million-paramount-deal-2026-03-17/ [3] https://time.com/7299965/trump-paramount-60-minutes-lawsuit-settlement/ [4] https://www.npr.org/2025/12/22/g-s1-103282/cbs-chief-bari-weiss-pulls-60-minutes-story [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/arts/television/colbert-fcc-trump-talarico-cbs.html [6] https://www.commoncause.org/actions/kimmel-cancelled-turn-off-disney/ Common Cause is a leader in fights that matter at the local, state, and national level. Your support helps us fight special interests, hold elected officials accountable, and build a better democracy for all Americans. DONATE Interested in volunteering with our Action Team? Sign up here. 805 15th Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005 202.833.1200 https://commoncause.org Common Cause’s work to defend and strengthen our democracy is powered by members like you. You can use this link to unsubscribe or let us know you'd like to receive fewer emails from us.

Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Common Cause, please click here.