Block the Merger coalition files amicus brief to contest Paramount-Warner deal
The Block the Merger coalition filed an emergency amicus brief in a California federal court, seeking to block Paramount's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
A coalition of advocacy organizations operating as Block the Merger lodged an emergency amicus brief in a California federal court to oppose Paramount’s planned $111 billion purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. The filing, made Thursday, asks Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín to permit parties to contest the consent decree that twelve state attorneys general negotiated with Paramount on Monday after an antitrust lawsuit.
The settlement obliges Paramount to release at least 30 films each year, establish an independent editorial board for several outlets, and retain its California studio lots for five years. Coalition participants such as the Committee for the First Amendment, one outlet, Freedom of the Press Foundation, Future Film Coalition and International Documentary Association contend the decree is “weak and unenforceable.” one outlet co-CEO Jessica J. González emphasized public demand for enforcement of antitrust law and protection of free speech.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the settlement as “very strong,” but the coalition argues it falls short. Judge Martínez-Olguín is set to address outstanding merger questions at an 11 a.m. hearing, during which she may also decide the coalition’s motion.
Why it matters
The legal challenge could delay or reshape a major media merger, affecting competition, content diversity, and free-speech safeguards.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Paramount seeks $1.88 billion bond from states and WGA over Warner Bros. deal delay
- Sep 17 The Justice Department filed a statement of interest seeking a $1.88 billion bond from the states.
- Sep 21 A settlement with twelve states was reached, removing a key antitrust obstacle.
- Sep 21 Settlement adds film‑output quotas, a $300 million annual domestic production commitment, and an editorial independence board.
In this story
Related stories
17 in this thread