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Warner Bros $111bn sale to Paramount approved by US justice department

June 13, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice has approved Paramount Skydance's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, finding the merger would increase rather than harm competition in the media industry. The deal would create one of Hollywood's most powerful entities, combining major networks like CNN, HBO, CBS, and studios including Paramount Pictures and DC Studios under one umbrella. Despite federal approval, the merger faces continued opposition from California's Attorney General, who is investigating potential anti-competitive effects, and over 1,400 Hollywood professionals who fear job losses and reduced opportunities.

Who is affected

  • Warner Bros Discovery employees and workers
  • Hollywood actors, directors, and filmmakers (over 1,400 signatories to opposition letter)
  • Paramount Skydance employees (10% already cut after previous merger)
  • American consumers and media audiences
  • CNN, HBO, CBS News, 60 Minutes staff and long-time journalists
  • Netflix (lost bidding war for Warner Bros)
  • Production ecosystem workers across the entertainment industry

What action is being taken

  • California's Attorney General Rob Bonta is conducting an investigation/review of the sale
  • States like California are reviewing the sale with potential to sue
  • The U.S. Department of Justice has completed its investigation and approved the deal

Why it matters

  • This merger will create one of the most powerful media conglomerates in Hollywood, controlling major news networks (CNN, CBS News), premium entertainment channels (HBO, Showtime), broadcast networks, and multiple film studios. The consolidation raises significant concerns about media diversity, competition, and employment in an industry already experiencing layoffs and cuts. The deal's approval also carries political implications given ownership connections to Trump administration donors and recent controversial programming decisions at CBS News that critics claim favor the current administration. The merger will reshape the media landscape by reducing the number of major independent studios and potentially limiting opportunities for content creators while concentrating enormous media power in fewer hands.

What's next

  • California Attorney General Rob Bonta will soon decide on taking formal legal action to block the merger
  • Other states besides California may sue to block the deal
  • Paramount executives anticipate billions of dollars in cost-savings (implying potential further workforce reductions)

Read full article from source: BBC