AGC CEO Stuart Ford argues that the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery antitrust complaint fails to address threats to independent film and international television production, sectors that face eroding Pay-1 license fees and reduced negotiating leverage with streamers as the number of major buyers shrinks from five to four.
The FCC approved allowing foreign entities to hold up to 49.5% equity in Paramount after its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, backed by sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. The commission determined the foreign investors pose no national security risk since they will not own voting stock, which will remain with the Ellison family and RedBird Capital Partners. The merger faces an ongoing antitrust lawsuit scheduled for trial in March.
Cohere and Aleph Alpha are merging to create a sovereign AI alternative, combining Canadian and German expertise to serve enterprises and governments demanding data control and independence from single vendors. The partnership, backed by Schwarz Group's $600M investment, targets regulated sectors including finance, defense, and healthcare with secure, customizable AI solutions.
Paramount CEO David Ellison is threatening to relocate the company's headquarters from California to Georgia, Tennessee, or Texas over a state-led antitrust lawsuit blocking its proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other officials have accused Paramount of blackmail, while LA Mayor Karen Bass emphasized protecting entertainment industry jobs. The merger faces a trial date of March 2, with settlement discussions expected next month.
Paramount and California Attorney General Rob Bonta are ordered to meet for court-mediated settlement talks in October regarding a $111-billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Bonta and 11 other Democratic state attorneys general sued to block the deal, though international regulators and the Trump administration's Justice Department support it. The outcome of these talks could determine whether the mega-merger proceeds.
Paramount funded and leaked a study claiming California would lose 58,000 jobs and $21 billion annually if its $111 billion merger with Warner Brothers is blocked by antitrust lawsuits. The company has engaged in controversial tactics including threats to leave California, accusations of antisemitism against opponents, and funding a questionable study through an industry-sponsored organization designed to appear objective.