Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement on Proposed Warner Bros. Mergers: California is Taking a Close Look

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement regarding the proposed purchase of Warner Bros. by either Paramount or Netflix, — all three are among the top mass media and entertainment companies. These proposals have been met with concerns that they could increase market concentration, reduce competition, hurt workers in the media industry, and limit creative diversity.

“Further consolidation in markets that are central to American economic life does not serve our economy, consumers, or competition well. In fact, consolidation of markets has led to increased unaffordability, a loss of good-paying job opportunities, and fewer choices for consumers,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The film and entertainment industry in California not only has historical importance to our state, it also is a critical sector that buoys the state's economy of California and touches the lives of Americans daily. The proposed Warner Brothers transactions must receive a full and robust review, and California is taking a very close look. We are committed to fighting market consolidation that we find unlawful.”

Antitrust enforcement is an essential component of a healthy economy. Competitive marketplaces established through antitrust vigilance help consumers by ensuring fair prices for goods and services, an array of products to choose from, quality goods and services, and the steady introduction of innovative new products. As part of Attorney General Bonta’s commitment to enforce antitrust laws, the California Department of Justice has launched an Antitrust Complaint Form for people to report anticompetitive conduct that potentially violates antitrust laws.