Don Lemon Warns Against Authoritarianism, Media Consolidation at GLAAD Awards

Journalist calls for stronger LGBTQ protections 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, particularly amid concerns over potential threats to media diversity and free speech due to industry consolidation.

Why it matters

Lemon's comments come at a time of heightened concerns over the impact of media mergers and consolidation on editorial independence and diversity of voices, as well as the broader challenges facing LGBTQ rights and representation in the current political climate.

The details

On the red carpet, Lemon expressed worries that media industry mergers, such as Paramount Global's planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, could threaten diversity and free speech in newsrooms. He emphasized the importance of independent journalists and media standing up for representation. During the ceremony, Lemon also thanked GLAAD and the National Association of Black Journalists for supporting him after his January arrest while covering ICE protests in Minneapolis.

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

The players

Don Lemon

An American journalist who was previously an anchor at CNN.

Sarah Kate Ellis

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

Paramount Global

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

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be really important for independent journalists and independent media to stand up for representation.”

— Don Lemon (Reuters)

“Journalism is about the truth, and the truth has no right or no left.”

— Don Lemon (Reuters)

What’s next

Paramount has said editorial independence at CNN will be maintained after the merger with Warner Bros Discovery, but there are ongoing concerns about the impact of media consolidation on diversity and free speech.

The takeaway

Lemon's warnings about authoritarianism and media consolidation at the GLAAD awards highlight the broader challenges facing LGBTQ rights and representation, as well as the vital role of independent journalism in upholding democratic values and diverse perspectives.