John,
Freedom of the press is the first line of defense against authoritarianism. But today, that freedom is on the chopping block, and Paramount Chair Shari Redstone needs to fight back.
Donald Trump is suing CBS, Paramount’s subsidiary, for $20 billion simply because he didn’t like a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. The legal case is so flimsy that CBS has already filed two motions to dismiss. But instead of standing firm, Paramount is now reportedly considering settling for a staggering $75 million.
Why? Because Trump’s approval may grease the wheels for their upcoming merger. Let’s be clear that this is not just a corporate decision, it’s a democratic crisis. If Redstone caves to Trump’s threats, it won’t end here. It will send a chilling message that the press can be bought off, silenced, or punished for reporting facts that offend a wannabe strongman.
Bernie Sanders and other Democratic senators have spoken out, calling this lawsuit “an attack on the United States Constitution and the First Amendment.” Now it’s your turn.
Demand that Shari Redstone and the Paramount board reject Trump’s intimidation and defend press freedom.
Redstone has already been accused of interfering with editorial independence at CBS, pressuring executives to delay reporting on Trump and even pushing out long-time producers who refused to play ball.
Settling this case would signal that media corporations can be coerced into submission by a politically motivated lawsuit. It would encourage more extortion, more propaganda, and more fear. That’s not journalism. That’s state-controlled media with a corporate facade.
This isn’t about one story or one network. This is about whether America stands by the principle that no president, especially not Donald Trump, gets to muzzle the media.
Freedom of the press is democracy. Capitulation is not an option. Tell Shari Redstone: stand up now.
Together, we can stop Trump from turning the media into his propaganda machine.
- DFA AF Team
