Actors Call for Intervention in $111 Billion Merger

British actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming, and Benedict Wong have co-authored an op-ed piece in The Guardian, urging Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to intervene in the $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for the good of the British screen industry.

The actors argue that the merger poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the UK, as well as the concentration of news services under a single owner. They express concerns about the impact on the public’s access to unbiased news, citing a reported statement by Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, to Donald Trump that he would make ‘sweeping changes’ to CNN if the deal went through.

The trio highlights the importance of the Culture Secretary’s decision, stating that it may prove one of the most crucial decisions made for UK film, television, and media in a generation. They emphasize the need for Nandy to stand up for the public’s interest and block the merger.

Paramount has been approached for comment on the actors’ concerns, but the company has maintained that it intends to respect the British process and meet its closure deadline of September 30. However, the deal’s closure could be delayed due to the merger control regime being non-suspensory, and the need for regulatory clearance in the European Union.

The actors’ op-ed follows WarnerMount securing regulatory clearance in the EU last week, but the deal has been put on ice until June 2027 or until the merits of lawsuits brought by state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America are resolved.

Alan Cumming, one of the co-authors, has previously made his feelings known about the merger through a video posted as part of a coalition called Block the Merger UK. The coalition is urging people to contact the Department for Culture, Media and Sport or regulator Ofcom to demand a more in-depth examination of the merger.

The actors’ call for intervention comes as Nandy has told the UK Parliament that she is ‘minded to intervene’ in the takeover, but has yet to make a final decision on whether to submit the union to a full public interest investigation. The decision is expected to be made when Parliament returns from its summer break in September.

Key points:

• Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are set to merge in a deal worth $111 billion.
• The actors argue that the merger poses a threat to the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the UK.
• The concentration of news services under a single owner is a concern, with the actors highlighting the importance of unbiased news.
• The Culture Secretary’s decision may be one of the most crucial for UK film, television, and media in a generation.
• The merger control regime is non-suspensory, and the deal’s closure could be delayed due to regulatory clearance in the EU.