CA AG Bonta Probes $110B Paramount-WBD Merger

Not So Fast: California AG Probes $110B Paramount Skydance and WBD Merger

Attorney General Rob Bonta launches an antitrust investigation into the massive deal, citing concerns over job losses and rising prices.

Marcus J. Delany

Mar 13, 2026, 5:42 AM PT · 1 min read

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is investigating the $110 billion Paramount Skydance and

THE RUNDOWN

AG Rob Bonta launched an investigation into the $110 billion media merger.
Regulators are concerned about market concentration and potential entertainment job losses.
The probe will examine if the deal leads to higher consumer prices.
California is stepping up state-level antitrust enforcement against major media companies.

Regulators are putting the proposed $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media under a microscope. Analysts note that the transaction has not yet cleared essential regulatory reviews. The move signals a major hurdle for the media giants as authorities take a leading role in antitrust enforcement.

The review focuses on how this massive consolidation would impact the entertainment landscape. Concerns have been expressed regarding market concentration and the potential for reduced competition. There is close examination of the risk of significant job losses and the likelihood of increased subscription prices for consumers across the country.

This push for scrutiny comes as authorities seek to strengthen oversight amidst concerns about media consolidation. An exhaustive review will be conducted for the transaction, which would combine some of the most iconic film and television assets in the world. While Paramount Global and Skydance Media continue to navigate the merger process, this ongoing scrutiny ensures the deal faces a long road ahead.