Overview
- An open letter signed by more than 1,000 film and TV professionals, published Monday, urges regulators to stop Paramount Skydance’s purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery.
- The signatories say the merger would shrink competition by leaving only four major US studios, which they argue means fewer jobs, fewer films, higher prices and less choice for viewers.
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta and several peers are reviewing the deal and considering lawsuits, and the transaction still needs shareholder votes and antitrust approval.
- Paramount Skydance answered the outcry with a pledge to release at least 30 feature films a year and a claim that the merger would expand consumer choice and creative opportunities.
- The deal also stirs political concern because the Ellison family backs the buyer and would gain control of CNN, which critics fear could face pressure on editorial independence.