Open Markets Institute Condemns State AGs’ Paramount-Warner Brothers Merger Settlement

Washington, DC – Open Markets Institute Executive Director Barry Lynn issued the following statement condemning the settlement by a coalition of attorneys general that sued to block Paramount’s takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery.

“This settlement serves as a wake up call for all defenders of democracy, a free and independent news media, and true freedom of expression. As the deal makes clear, it is increasingly obvious that many top political leaders and officials are either beholden to corporate monopolies, or feel unable to stand up to their power.

“Open Markets applauded the initially courageous decision by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other plaintiffs to bring this case. But it appears Paramount’s influence on the California Democratic machine won the day, by enlisting Governor Newsom, Democratic nominee for Governor Becerra, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to enforce an often brutal pressure campaign on AG Bonta and his staff.

“This is not the first time the California Democratic leadership has failed the American people. We should remember how then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra in 2020 was the lone holdout even as 49 states bravely filed antitrust cases against Google’s control of search and advertising. We should remember how outgoing governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation to create an AI kill switch.

“Yes, the Trump administration has given robber barons like Larry Ellison a blank check to seize control of our media and economy. But it is vital to recognize that some leading Democrats are not only failing to stand up to Trump, but actively working to serve his ends.

“We applaud the holdouts, led by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who fought to continue this crucial lawsuit, as well as the Writers Guild of America. But the hard reality is that without the resources and political support of leaders in key states like California and New York, it is impossible for the citizens in the other states to fight back.

“By settling with Paramount, the states’ attorneys general reinforce the dangerous message that there are few real checks left on the people who aim to control every aspect of American life and culture. We look forward to working with the incoming Congress to begin to rebuild a political economy of news fit for a true democracy. This fight is just beginning.”

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