Parmount’s proposed merger with Warner Brothers is bad for California, bad for consumers, and bad for democracy. We need less media consolidation, not more. Thank you Attorney General @AGRobBonta for fighting hard on behalf of Californians.

Today was an important day in the history of Hollywood. State Attorneys General settled their anti-trust case, so Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Brothers will proceed. I signed on to this transaction back in April because David Ellison pledged to make at least 30 movies per year (66% more than the number made by the two studios last year) and promised to respect theatrical windows. Now with the AG action, those commitments and more will be backed up by a binding five year “Consent Decree.” But I never had any doubt in David Ellison’s desire to support theatrical exhibition. In his heart, he is a consummate movie maker. Want proof? Again watch Skydance’s Top Gun: Maverick, as I did this weekend. And he has a highly able team of executives in place at both studios. My prediction: Paramount and Warner will be in extraordinarily capable hands.