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Paramount Today
By the People, for the People
California Vows 'Vigorous' Review of Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger
State AG says $110 billion deal could threaten Hollywood jobs and economy
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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California's Attorney General has opened an investigation into Paramount's planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, vowing a 'vigorous' review of the deal. Analysts expect federal approval, but state-level resistance from Governor Gavin Newsom and AG Rob Bonta, who cite concerns over layoffs, unit closures, and pressure on suppliers that could impact the state's entertainment industry.
Why it matters
The entertainment industry is a major driver of California's economy, and state officials are concerned the merger could lead to job losses, reduced competition, and other negative impacts on workers and the broader economy.
The details
Paramount argues the deal will generate $6 billion in savings, but industry voices warn this could mean layoffs, unit closures, and pressure on suppliers. The Writers Guild of America has told the US Senate that the acquisition would threaten jobs, pointing to Warner Bros.' $2 billion in post-merger content cuts and 1,000 layoffs following Paramount's Skydance tie-up.
- On February 28, 2026, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the state has opened an investigation into the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.
- Bonta pledged a 'vigorous' review of the deal, which is expected to face more resistance at the state level than federal approval.
The players
Rob Bonta
California Attorney General who has opened an investigation into the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger and pledged a 'vigorous' state-level review.
Gavin Newsom
Democratic Governor of California who is expected to be a vocal critic of the merger alongside Attorney General Bonta.
Writers Guild of America
A labor union that has warned the US Senate the acquisition would threaten jobs, citing layoffs at Warner Bros. and Paramount following previous mergers.
Mark Ruffalo
An actor who has urged states to listen to Hollywood voices on how industry consolidation has affected competition, wages, and creative output.
What they’re saying
“Paramount/Warner Bros. is not a done deal.”
— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (The Hollywood Reporter)
“The entertainment industry touches the lives of Americans daily.”
— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (Reuters)
“States should listen to Hollywood about how consolidation has affected competition, wages, and creative output.”
— Mark Ruffalo (X (Twitter)
What’s next
The judge overseeing the merger review process will determine the timeline for California's investigation and whether the state can delay or block the $110 billion deal.
The takeaway
California's aggressive stance against the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger highlights the growing tension between the entertainment industry's push for consolidation and state-level efforts to protect jobs, competition, and the broader economic impact on local communities.
