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Paramount/WBD merger conditions give the public "virtually nothing," judge is told
- On Thursday, the Block the Merger coalition filed an emergency motion in California federal court, asking U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín for an opportunity to formally oppose the settlement between Paramount and 12 state attorneys general.
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other states settled their antitrust lawsuit on Monday, securing commitments for theatrical film output and editorial boards to address competition concerns regarding the $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
- Critics, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, characterized the agreement as "weak and unenforceable," arguing the proposed editorial boards are "worthless" and fail to protect independent journalism from corporate consolidation.
- During a virtual hearing Thursday, Judge Martínez-Olguín addressed outstanding questions regarding the consent decree's legal underpinnings and granted the coalition an opportunity to file briefs by 12:01 a.m. PT Friday.
- Opposition groups warn the merger could harm democracy and free press, while Paramount insists the deal is "presumptively valid," asserting that commitments preserve competition and provide necessary investment in domestic film production.
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47 Articles
Los Angeles Times+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
After a bruising battle for Warner Bros., David Ellison faces daunting challenges in Hollywood
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison can proclaim victory after settling a lawsuit with state attorneys general that held up his company's merger with Warner Bros. But Ellison will have considerable work ahead to repair frayed relations with Hollywood talent.
·El Segundo, United States
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Here's exactly what Paramount promised Hollywood to land WBD — and why some are still skeptical
Paramount CEO David Ellison's antitrust settlement eased some theatrical concerns, but questions remain about what happens when the five-year agreement ends.
·Englewood Cliffs, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources47
Leaning Left9Leaning Right8Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Left
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left
38% Left
L 38%
C 29%
R 33%
Factuality
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