Don Lemon Warns Against Authoritarianism, Media Consolidation at GLAAD Awards

Journalist calls for stronger LGBTQ protections and independent media amid industry mergers

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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American journalist Don Lemon used his appearance at the annual GLAAD media awards ceremony to warn about rising authoritarianism and call for stronger LGBTQ protections. Lemon also expressed concerns about media industry mergers, such as Paramount Global's planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, and the potential threat they pose to diversity and free speech in newsrooms.

Why it matters

Lemon's remarks highlight growing concerns about the impact of media consolidation on journalistic independence and LGBTQ representation in the industry. As major media companies continue to merge, there are fears that this could lead to a reduction in diverse voices and viewpoints, as well as weaken protections for marginalized communities.

The details

On the red carpet, Lemon told Reuters that media industry mergers could threaten diversity and free speech in newsrooms. He specifically mentioned Paramount Global's planned acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, the owner of CNN, the cable news network where Lemon was fired from his anchor job in 2023. Lemon thanked GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis and the National Association of Black Journalists for supporting him after his arrest while covering ICE protests in Minneapolis in January.

  • The GLAAD awards ceremony took place on Thursday, March 6, 2026 in Beverly Hills.
  • Lemon was fired from his anchor job at CNN in 2023.

The players

Don Lemon

An American journalist who previously worked as an anchor at CNN.

Sarah Kate Ellis

The CEO of GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy group that organized the annual media awards ceremony.

Paramount Global

A media company that is planning a $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, the owner of CNN.

Warner Bros Discovery

A media company that owns CNN, the cable news network where Lemon previously worked as an anchor.

National Association of Black Journalists

An organization that supported Lemon after his arrest while covering ICE protests in Minneapolis in January.

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What’s next

Paramount has said editorial independence at CNN will be maintained after the acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, but the potential impact on the network's coverage and diversity remains to be seen.

The takeaway

Lemon's warnings about authoritarianism and media consolidation underscore the broader challenges facing journalism, particularly the need to preserve independent and diverse voices in an era of increasing corporate control over the media landscape.