Author: Michael

Did California Attorney General Rob Bonta cave? Paramount seemingly got over its final hurdle to securing the $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery without sacrificing too much. Notably, the company avoided the “structural remedies” that Bonta had initially sought, such as cable channel divestitures or a break-up of the combined company, so long as it complies with the outlined terms.  Bonta lauded the settlement, calling it pro-jobs. “This is a court-enforceable settlement that addresses those concerns by providing more film production that protects Hollywood workers and their livelihoods that places guardrails, allowing for robust cable negotiations that protects competition…

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The Freedom of the Press Foundation is very unhappy with the CNN and CBS editorial board component of the Paramount settlement. On Monday, Paramount and 12 state attorneys general agreed to a settlement that cleared the final hurdle for the $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. A component of that settlement was the establishment of an editorial board to monitor CNN and CBS News’ independence, which will include five established active or retired journalists who have practice journalism for a minimum of 10 years. The FPF took immediate issue with the idea of the board. “A Paramount-appointed editorial independence…

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