Paramount astroturf merger support
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一句话看懂
Paramount used astroturf group Neighbors for Strong Communities to text Californians backing its $111 billion Warner merger. The fake grassroots support aims to pressure AG Bonta to drop antitrust suit.
背景
Paramount and Warner Brothers are merging in a $111 billion deal that faces antitrust scrutiny from California AG Rob Bonta. To counter opposition, Paramount allegedly funded a nonprofit called Neighbors for Strong Communities to send texts urging Californians to support the merger, creating an illusion of public backing. The group's website is less than three months old and hides its donors, typical of astroturf campaigns.
来龙去脉
- Aug 21, 2026The Intercept reports that Neighbors for Strong Communities sent text messages to Californians urging them to pressure AG Bonta to drop his antitrust lawsuit.
- Sep 1, 2026Variety reports the group uses AI to help pressure Bonta; its leader denies being an astroturf campaign and claims no direct funding from Paramount.
- Sep 8, 2026Techdirt publishes an article detailing the astroturf campaign, citing the Committee for the First Amendment's criticism that the group was formed three months ago by industry lobbyists and hides its donors.
各方怎么说
- Critics
- Consumer rights groups say the astroturf group is a classic corporate-backed campaign to manufacture grassroots support, hiding its funders.
- Support
- Neighbors for Strong Communities leader Kelly denies being an astroturf campaign, insisting it is independent and has not received direct funding from Paramount.
待核实
The claim that Paramount directly funds Neighbors for Strong Communities is unconfirmed; the group denies direct funding, and indirect funding is not acknowledged.