Tech Brew Ride Home · Monday, July 13, 2026
A coalition of 12 states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, has filed an antitrust lawsuit to block the merger of Paramount, Skydance, and Warner Brothers. The suit alleges the transaction violates the Clayton Act by reducing competition in theatrical distribution and basic cable licensing markets.
“A coalition of 12 states filed an antitrust lawsuit on Monday to block the merger of Paramount, Skydance and Warner Brothers, defying the Department of Justice, which approved the deal last month.”
“The coalition led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta alleges that the $111 billion transaction violates the Clayton Act by lessening competition in three distinct markets: wide release theatrical distribution, top grossing theatrical distribution, and basic cable licensing.”
“Consolidation here not only leads to higher prices, it also leads to fewer opportunities for important stories to come to life and fewer ways for audiences to encounter stories, ideas, and perspectives beyond their own experiences, Bonta said.”