Wire · founder news, decoded · regulatory
New York joins multi-state lawsuit over Warner Bros. and Paramount merger
New York and 11 other state attorneys general have filed suit to block the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, arguing it would reduce competition in theatrical film releases, blockbuster movies, and basic cable programming. The DOJ approved the deal in June, but states argue it would concentrate control of 85% of theatrical releases among four studios.
The Wire takeaway
If you supply film studios—or compete with them—you now have clarity: the federal antitrust regime just shifted. The DOJ passed this merger, but state AGs will fight it for months; that uncertainty means studios will hold budget and supplier commitments until the court ruling lands.
Read the full story at wkbw.com →
Topics: antitrust · media-consolidation · m&a-regulatory · state-litigation · theatrical-distribution