Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Newsom Favors Paramount-Warner Settlement If It Protects California Jobs
Paramount wants to buy Warner Bros.
Discovery in a deal worth $110 billion.
California and other states are suing to try to stop the deal.
They worry it could mean fewer choices for distributing movies and television shows.
They also worry that entertainment jobs could be lost.
Governor Gavin Newsom said he would prefer an agreement if it is good for California.
Another politician, Xavier Becerra, also said a settlement would be best.
Paramount leader David Ellison is considering moving the company out of California.
Newsom said he hopes Paramount stays and is taking the possibility of a move seriously.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he prefers a settlement in the state’s lawsuit if it is a good deal.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other states oppose Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The states argue the merger could reduce film and television distribution and entertainment-industry jobs.
Paramount has secured regulatory clearance from 68 jurisdictions, leaving the state-led lawsuit as the final impediment to closing.
Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison is considering moving the company out of California, potentially beginning as early as Oct. 1.
- Who
- California Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Paramount Skydance Corp., Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., and Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison.
- What
- A state-led antitrust lawsuit is challenging Paramount Skydance’s proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, while Newsom favors a settlement if it is beneficial.
- When
- Newsom made the comments Friday; Paramount could begin a potential relocation as early as Oct. 1.
- Where
- The comments were made at a press conference in San Francisco; the dispute concerns California and the company’s possible relocation from the state.
- Why
- California and other states say the merger could harm film and television distribution and reduce entertainment-industry jobs, while Newsom is concerned about the state’s reputation and Hollywood’s future.
Settlement Supporters
Lawsuit Supporters
How to resolve the case
Settlement Supporters
Newsom said he would prefer a settlement if it is a good deal, and Xavier Becerra called a settlement the best outcome.
Lawsuit Supporters
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and allied states continue pursuing the lawsuit as an impediment to the merger’s closing.
Merger’s impact
Settlement Supporters
Supporters of resolution emphasize concerns that blocking the deal could hurt state employment and potentially prompt Paramount to leave California.
Lawsuit Supporters
The states argue that combining major studios, news networks, and streaming services could harm distribution and lead to fewer entertainment-industry jobs.
Paramount’s California future
Settlement Supporters
Newsom said he hopes Paramount does not leave and believes the company may not want to do so.
Lawsuit Supporters
Paramount’s board has approved a possible relocation, and David Ellison is reportedly developing a plan that could shift most studio jobs to another state.
- Proposed acquisition
- Paramount Skydance Corp.’s $110 billion purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.
- Regulatory clearances
- Paramount had received approval from 68 jurisdictions around the world as of the previous week.
- Legal opposition
- A group of states led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta is challenging the merger.
- States’ concerns
- The states argue the deal could hurt film and television distribution and reduce entertainment-industry jobs.
- Newsom’s position
- He prefers a settlement if it is a good deal and is concerned about California’s reputation and Hollywood’s future.
- Potential relocation
- Paramount’s board approved a possible move to another state as early as Oct. 1, according to a person familiar with the plans.
- Successor candidate’s view
- Xavier Becerra urged the parties to resolve the dispute and said a settlement would be the best outcome.