Gabriel Lezra
@gabelezra.bsky.social
Policy at Democracy Defenders @democracydefendersaction.org @democracydefendersfund.org | Views my own | Formerly @citizensforethics.org Debevoise & Plimpton @georgetownlaw.bsky.social | Building a democracy for the many
We’ve been saying for months that Paramount’s promise to front load the $6 billion in “synergies” would require nearly immediate mass layoffs; the report they paid for, which was covered uncritically by many in the media, said the merger would generate jobs. Huh. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Reupping my @contrariannews.org piece about the Paramount merger's impact on how we watch sports--and the continued enshittification of everything, particularly the things we enjoy. www.contrariannews.org/p/sports-fan...
Sports Fans Can’t Boycott. Paramount Is Counting on It.
I learned as a kid what it costs to watch soccer in America. The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger will teach every fan the same lesson.
contrariannews.org
America is free only when the media is competitive, independent, and accountable to the people. apnews.com/article/warn...
States settle lawsuit over Paramount-Warner merger, clearing key hurdle for $81 billion deal
Twelve states and Hollywood writers challenging Paramount’s buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery have agreed to settle their lawsuits against the mega merger.
apnews.com
1936. FDR excoriates oligarchs and their financial monopolies, reckless banking, and class antagonism. Our government was a "mere appendage to their own affairs." He refused to bend the knee; and they hated him. His response? "They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred."
Here's the deal. We're still going to be there in front of Paramount tomorrow to rally for free speech and real, structural media reform so that we don't end up here again with big media billionaires bullying and buying off our elected officials.
Jessica J. González@jgo4justice.bsky.social · 6d agoIn LA? Come join us on Tuesday morning at 10am and boo Paramount for trying to bully the AGs into their crummy deal. www.mobilize.us/notabovethel...
I so appreciate you and your commitment to seventh generation. You are a valiant, valiant warrior for the people.
Gabriel Lezra@gabelezra.bsky.social · 5d agoThe work of justice is to plant trees under whose shade you may never sit; and the fight against organized oligarchy, against the immense power of concentrated money, is often a battle for a sunrise you may never see. But one day, someone, somewhere, will sit under a tree, watching the sun rise.
Variety reports that a bunch of corporate lawyers are making "guilt donations" for working to seal the Paramount deal on Yom Kippur. I didn't work today. But I have a better idea: Gratitude donations to the groups that have been fighting so hard to #BlockTheMerger See the 🧵 below for links
Like many in the @managingmadrid.bsky.social community, I watched Real Madrid beat Inter Milan in the Champions League recently. On Paramount+. I have no interest in Paramount+. It carries nothing else I want. I subscribed, as it's the only place to watch Madrid in the UCL. In @contrariannews.org 👇
Sports Fans Can’t Boycott. Paramount Is Counting on It.
I learned as a kid what it costs to watch soccer in America. The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger will teach every fan the same lesson.
contrariannews.org
The work of justice is to plant trees under whose shade you may never sit; and the fight against organized oligarchy, against the immense power of concentrated money, is often a battle for a sunrise you may never see. But one day, someone, somewhere, will sit under a tree, watching the sun rise.
When we choose our leaders we grant them a sacred charge: to stand for us. It is their duty to listen to us, respect us, and fight for us--even when the power of organized capital in the richest country in history stands against us. Failing to uphold that charge is a betrayal of democracy's covenant
Gabriel Lezra@gabelezra.bsky.social · 6d agoAGs: don’t let oligarchs distract you from a simple reality: the people stand with you. Your fight is theirs: for the workers whose jobs this will eliminate, for the communities losing money, for the stories and representation we will lose, for the free press, and for democracy. #BlockTheMerger
David Ellison is threatening to move Paramount Skydance out of California to bully state Attorney General Rob Bonta into ending his challenge of Paramount’s $111 billion purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. But Ellison’s threat is empty. Let’s start with the illogic of the threat:
AGs Must Not Cave to Paramount’s Empty Threat to Leave California
No company should be allowed to bully a state into abandoning its job of protecting consumers.
contrariannews.org
Read this. The economics of Paramount’s nonsense threat to leave California make no sense. It’s a paper tiger and people are buying it. Yet another oligarch attempt to buy a fake narrative.
Norm Eisen@normeisen.bsky.social · 6d agoThe Ellisons are threatening to leave CA unless the AG's cave on their case to block the Paramount-Warner's merger I call BS together with leading antitrust experts @contrariannews.org 👇 The AG's and the unions should not fall for it
In LA? Come join us on Tuesday morning at 10am and boo Paramount for trying to bully the AGs into their crummy deal. www.mobilize.us/notabovethel...
Block the Merger: Bonta Don't Settle with Ellison's Paramount! · Not Above the Law
Join us to rally outside Paramount against the billionaire Ellison’s proposed Paramount WB mega merger! We need Attorney General Rob Bonta to stand strong against a Paramount-Warner Brothers Merger....
mobilize.us
In NYC? Come join us and clap @newyorkstateag.bsky.social into work tomorrow morning at 9am for standing strong for workers, consumers and free speech! www.mobilize.us/notabovethel...
Block the Merger: Don't Settle with Paramount! · Not Above the Law
Rally outside of Attorney General Letitia James office to thank her and support her continuing to stand for free media! We need Attorney General Rob Bonta and other Attorneys General to stand up aga...
mobilize.us
Last minute protest outside AG Bonta’s Oakland office tonight when folks caught wind that he’s wavering on his promise to protect consumers and workers. #BlocktheMerger #NoConcessions
AGs: don’t let oligarchs distract you from a simple reality: the people stand with you. Your fight is theirs: for the workers whose jobs this will eliminate, for the communities losing money, for the stories and representation we will lose, for the free press, and for democracy. #BlockTheMerger
As Trump tries to ban CNN from the White House, it would be a massive mistake to cave on the Paramount merger. The last thing we need is another Trump-controlled media conglomerate abusing its power to stomp out competition. This is a dangerous merger. variety.com/2026/film/ne...
Paramount and California AG Bonta Reportedly in ‘Advanced Talks’ to Settle Antitrust Suit
Paramount Skydance is in "advanced talks" with California Attorney General Rob Bonta to settle the 12-state antitrust suit that's holding up its takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, the WSJ reported.
variety.com
Normally you'd think the first person to condemn Trump kicking CNN out of the White House would be the person trying to buy it. Has anyone heard from David Ellison?
Trump targets more news outlets, saying he will ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House
President Donald Trump says he is barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House due to what he called unfavorable coverage, and threatens that more such prohibitions of media outlets could fol...
apnews.com
Oakland! If you believe that it is wrong for a handful of billionaires to own the media then come out to this rally tomorrow (Sunday 9/20). We need Attorney General Rob Bonta to stand strong against a Paramount-WB merger. 5pm at 1515 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94612. www.mobilize.us/notabovethel...
Block the Merger: Don't Settle with Paramount! · Not Above the Law
Join us to rally outside of the California Attorney General's Oakland office! We need Attorney General Rob Bonta to stand strong against a Paramount-Warner Brothers Merger. A core principle behind a...
mobilize.us
We say no no no 1000x no to the Ellisons' pressure tactics. We support the AG's and unions pushing for real structural remedies not ephemeral behavioral ones 
Block the Merger Coalition Statement on Reports of Ellison’s Settlement Squeeze
News reports indicate state Attorneys General are in negotiation talks in their lawsuit to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The merger is a threat to workers, journalists, consumers,...
democracydefendersaction.org
Makan Delrahim, one of Paramount's main lawyers pushing a settlement with behavioral remedies...had a lot to say about them as DOJ antitrust chief. Back then, they were "the wolf of regulation dressed in the sheep's clothing of a behavioral decree." Thread: www.justice.gov/archives/opa...
justice.gov
Many media outlets are uncritically reporting on a "study" that says that Paramount leaving CA would cost thousands of jobs (and that the merger itself would create them). This is a report that Paramount PAID FOR--astroturf economics. Don't be fooled by this advocacy masquerading as economics.
Remember that when someone tells you who they are, believe them. One of the heartbreaking likely futures here isn’t just that they’ll shelve projects that are made and canceled or stopped; it’s the new, beautiful stories that will never be written, never be made: www.esgdive.com/news/paramou...
Paramount promises to abstain from DEI programs to secure Skydance merger
The FCC hinging its approval of the merger on Paramount decommitting from DEI is the latest example of public-sector agendas affecting private-sector talent strategy.
esgdive.com
Here’s how you can take action if you’ve simply had enough of spoiled oligarchs holding our communities hostage to their greed and need for domination: www.freepress.net/get-involved....
Tell State Attorneys General: No Concessions on the Paramount/WBD Merger
Urge state attorneys general to protect workers and consumers and block the Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
freepress.net
Ellison to California: Give me what I want, or I’ll shutter a historic studio and take away your jobs. Anyone else tired of billionaire oligarchs breaking all the rules and holding our communities hostage to their selfish whims? F this. #BlocktheMerger #NoConcessions deadline.com/2026/09/para...
Huge Job Losses And Economic Pain If Paramount Exits L.A., Report Says
Nearly 60,000 L.A. jobs could be lost if David Ellison carries through on a threat to move Paramount out of California amid his antitrust battle.
deadline.com
Paramount's takeover of WBD is a mega-merger that sabotages free expression and gives Trump's billionaire friends even more control over information access. Tell state AGs to stand firm. #NoConcessions SIGN:
Tell State Attorneys General: No Concessions on the Paramount/WBD Merger
Urge state attorneys general to protect workers and consumers and block the Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
freepress.net
Had a great time joining @npr.org’s On Point to talk about my beloved Corporate Transparency Act and the future of the fight against dirty money. Check it out on your local station or listen here: www.wbur.org/onpoint/2026...
Did the Treasury just make it easier to launder money?
The Treasury Department recently eliminated a rule that required American companies to identify their owners. The rule was intended to prevent money laundering. What’s driving the decision to drop it?
wbur.org
