# States settle Paramount-Warner merger lawsuit

> States and Paramount reach deal to clear antitrust hurdle for $81B merger
- Title: States settle Paramount-Warner merger lawsuit · The Banner
- Summary: States and Paramount reach deal to clear antitrust hurdle for $81B merger States agreed to terms that require Paramount to boost domestic film production and…
- Keywords: paramount, warner bros discovery, antitrust, california, new york, hollywood studios, streaming platforms, film libraries, cable tv, movie theaters, news, local
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/culture/film-tv/paramount-warner-brothers-antitrust-LPDNEBAFYFHJ5KDDFZXYUERWAM
- Author: Wyatte Grantham-Philips and Michael Sisak, Associated Press
- Published: 2026-09-21T18:31:26.467+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: paramount, warner bros discovery, antitrust, california, new york, hollywood studios, streaming platforms, film libraries, cable tv, movie theaters, news, local
## States settle Paramount lawsuit
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Paramount to clear antitrust hurdles for the $81 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

> Today, billionaires have yet again bribed, censored, and bullied their way to the top.
## Mega merger details
The deal combines two of Hollywood's oldest studios, key TV networks like CBS and CNN, and streaming platforms HBO Max and Paramount+.
## New commitments
Paramount must increase domestic film production and monitor editorial independence of its news operations under the settlement terms.
## State lawsuit
California and New York led a coalition of states that sued to block the merger, claiming it would reduce competition and consumer choices.
## Critics warn
Critics warned the deal would lead to layoffs, higher cable bills, and more expensive movie tickets across the U.S.
## Key takeaway

States agreed to terms that require Paramount to boost domestic film production and monitor news editorial independence