Groups file emergency brief to challenge Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger in California

A coalition of advocacy groups operating under the Block the Merger banner filed an emergency motion on Thursday in a federal California court to oppose Paramount Global's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The filing seeks an amicus brief that would allow interested parties to present legal arguments before Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín, who is reviewing the $111 billion transaction.

The coalition, which includes the Committee for the First Amendment, Free Press, the Freedom of the Press Foundation, the Future Film Coalition and the International Documentary Association, asked the judge to "grant interested parties the opportunity to formally oppose the consent decree that state attorneys general entered into with Paramount on Monday." The decree was reached after 12 state attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit that had been scheduled for trial in March 2027.

Under the settlement, Paramount agreed to release at least 30 movies per year, establish an independent editorial board to oversee CNN and CBS News operations, and retain the Paramount Studios and Warner Bros. lot in California for a minimum of five years. California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the terms as "very strong."

A hearing is set for 11 a.m. today, during which Judge Martínez-Olguín will address outstanding questions about the merger and may rule on the coalition's motion. > "Hundreds of thousands of people across the country called on state attorneys general to enforce the law and to protect consumers, workers and free speech," said Free Press co-CEO Jessica J. González, co-counsel on the motion. > "The weak and unenforceable deal the AGs struck with Paramount leaves us in the lurch. We deserve our day in court."