AG warns Paramount Warner merger would erode content quality and press diversity

What was said

"One outcome is is that there's likely to be an erosion of the quality of the content of of, you know, TV series and movies and and and news, less perspectives, less diversity of perspectives, fewer views, fewer types of light being shed on the truth and and that is also part of like the competitive impact, anti-competitive impact that we are talking about here in our lawsuit."

Attorney General Bonta connected the proposed merger to broader concerns about press freedom, particularly in light of the Trump administration's recent actions sending federal agents to New York Times reporters' doors. He argued the consolidation of CNN and CBS under one company would reduce diverse perspectives and quality journalism. Bonta emphasized the importance of a free independent press as a watchdog to keep government accountable, contrasting this with the administration's attacks on media.