CPAC's Center for Regulatory Freedom Opposes Omnicom-IPG Merger, Citing Threats to Free Speech and Economic Freedom

The Independent Media Council (IMC) and the CPAC Foundation’s Center for Regulatory Freedom (CRF) oppose the merger of advertising powerhouses Omnicom Group Inc. and The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (IPG), citing censorship based on a radical DEI agenda and threats to the free market by consolidating power into the hands of a few. On July 28, 2025, the groups submitted a formal complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), pressing for the suspension of the merger’s recent Consent Order approval and a comprehensive probe into its undermining of free speech and economic freedom.

IMC, representing over a dozen media outlets that reach more than 125 million Americans weekly, and CRF, argue that the merger concentrates too much power in the hands of a few, threatening free speech and economic liberties. Christine Czernejewski, IMC Director, stated, “This merger is not just a threat to competition; it’s a threat to the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans." The groups emphasize how the merged entity will suppress certain viewpoints through biased tools and so-called "safety" measures. "By consolidating the power of two global advertising giants, the FTC is allowing a larger and more dangerous system of censorship and discrimination to take hold—one that targets dissenting voices under the guise of 'misinformation' and ‘safety.’”, said Czernejewski.

Key objections include the use of third-party rating agencies like NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index, which the groups claim unfairly target conservative media by labeling them as "unreliable", thus censoring by cutting off their advertising revenue. NewsGuard, co-founded by Steven Brill, a prominent Democratic activist, is accused of favoring liberal outlets, with studies from organizations like the Media Research Center supporting claims of bias against dissenting conservative outlets. Additionally, the groups criticize Omnicom and IPG’s DEI initiatives, alleging they foster tension and discrimination based on ideology, race, or sex, breaching federal anti-discrimination laws.

The filing also points to a January 2025 Executive Order by President Trump, aimed at curbing federal support for censorship programs, arguing that the FTC’s approval contradicts this directive. Andrew Langer, CRF Director, emphasized, “This merger cements the power of unaccountable gatekeepers who silence Americans based on political beliefs. The FTC has a duty to uphold the Constitution and ensure that no corporate consolidation comes at the expense of liberty.”

To address these concerns, the IMC and CPAC are calling for a halt to the merger’s approval, a thorough audit of the companies’ practices, public acknowledgment of any censorship or discriminatory actions, and a plan to eliminate ideological bias. They also propose a long-term FTC monitor and a $300 million fund to compensate media outlets harmed by these practices.

The opposition reflects broader concerns about liberal control over digital advertising and free speech, which increasingly dictate media visibility and mainstream thought. The filing signals a growing pushback against institutional censorship of dissenting conservative thought, with the IMC and CPAC urging the FTC to prioritize free speech and fair access in its oversight of the Omnicom-IPG merger.