Paramount, 12 state attorneys general respond to Sen. Booker’s concerns about settlement

(KYMA) - Paramount Skydance and 12 state attorneys general responded to Sen. Cory Booker's concerns regarding the settlement over the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery (WBD).

In a court document filed Monday, they answered several questions posed by Sen. Booker in his letter, with one of them being theatrical output.

"In 2025, Defendants collectively released 19 films, and in 2026, Defendants combined have
released or anticipate releasing 27 films, as defined by the Consent Decree," they said in the court document. "Pursuant to the proposed consent decree, the Combined Entity must release at least 30 films for the first three years and 32 films for the subsequent two years. This is a floor, not a ceiling, and it represents an expansion of output."

This comes a few days after a federal judge ordered both Paramount and the attorneys general to respond to Booker's letter, which resulted in the judge delaying a ruling on the settlement.

Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led the antitrust lawsuit, held a press conference to announce the settlement between the attorneys general and Paramount over the latter's merger with WBD.

"Let me be clear: This settlement is not a vote of support for this merger. But we believe this settlement, which resolves our antitrust concerns in every market alleged in our case, protects competition and consumer choice, and puts workers' needs, concerns, and futures first, is the best course of action," said Attorney General Bonta.

As part of the settlement, Bonta said it included an annual film release commitment, domestic production, independent film fund, protection for workers, cable agreements and ongoing monitoring.

In addition, Paramount must establish a News Editorial Independence Board for CNN, which is owned by WBD, and CBS News, which Paramount owns.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who was also part of the lawsuit, issued a statement on the settlement.

"This settlement will support Arizona businesses, including local movie theaters, by ensuring films get theatrical releases that bring audiences through their doors and boost the neighboring shops and restaurants around them," said Attorney General Mayes. "I'm proud to have fought for Arizona's businesses."

As a result of the settlement, the Writers Guild of America has also agreed to drop its lawsuit blocking the merger.