At the Venice Film Festival, George Clooney used his platform to caution against artificial intelligence’s impact on cinema and journalism while criticizing proposed studio consolidations. He also addressed the current state of American democracy and defended colleagues’ right to speak freely on industry matters.
Jane Fonda issued a public statement supporting actor Mark Ruffalo after he faced antisemitism allegations stemming from his criticism of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
Republican attorneys general from Iowa and Montana have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and block an antitrust lawsuit filed by twelve Democratic state AGs seeking to prevent Paramount Global’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Comedy writer Mike Schur, known for 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation,' argues that the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger poses an existential threat to writers by eliminating competition in the market.
L.A. Mayoral candidate Nithya Raman stated that the legality of the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger should be decided in court, contrasting with Mayor Karen Bass's call for a quick resolution.
A proposed $1.88 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is projected to result in 4,500 job losses in Los Angeles and threaten $2.78 billion in economic value. A decision on the merger bond has been pushed closer to the ticking fee start date amidst these concerns.
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) and IATSE have jointly urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to settle his antitrust lawsuit with Paramount, arguing that prolonged uncertainty over the Warner Bros. Discovery merger is detrimental to the industry and jobs. They are pushing for a fast track on the standoff, potentially with conditions, to avoid a prolonged court battle.
David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, is advocating for a merger with Warner Bros., promising contractual guarantees for a 30-film annual slate to theater owners.
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer has voiced support for the stalled Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, stating that 'uncertainty and delay' are 'not good for anybody' as the deal heads to an antitrust trial.
British authorities have given their clearance for the massive $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., paving the way for a new entertainment giant.
Former Fox and CNN anchor Chris Wallace, now an advisor with a stake in Paramount, argues that states are using politics to block Paramount's deal with Warner Bros. He believes government should not control news platforms or their reporting.
David Ellison commented on the scrutiny surrounding the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, which has been pushed back until 2027, specifically addressing concerns about his trustworthiness with CNN.
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron supports a Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, dismissing state attorney general concerns, while Cinema United Chief Michael O’Leary opposes the deal and endorses litigation to delay it. The potential merger has created a clear division among cinema industry leaders.
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Prominent actors, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming, and Benedict Wong, are urging the UK government to block the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. They argue the deal is 'dangerous' and threatens to inflict immense harm on the TV and cinema industries.
A US court has extended the temporary restraining order pausing the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery for another 14 days. This extension continues the antitrust battle with states over the megamerger.
A US judge has temporarily halted the proposed $81 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery for two weeks, following an antitrust challenge.
The potential merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is being discussed for its implications on Hollywood and cultural heritage, with a judge now set to rule on a states' case regarding the merger by July 22.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has filed a lawsuit to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, alleging that the deal would lead to reduced pay and fewer opportunities for writers. State attorneys general have also filed emergency motions to halt the mega-merger, citing antitrust concerns.
The proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. is facing significant regulatory hurdles, with state attorneys general preparing a lawsuit to block the deal. Paramount is reportedly evaluating its future operations in California amidst these regulatory threats.
Several US states are reportedly preparing to file a lawsuit next week to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. This potential legal action could significantly impact the future of the entertainment industry.
Mark Thompson, CNN's editor-in-chief, reportedly informed Paramount officials that he would not agree to share oversight of CNN with another executive, amidst the ongoing Paramount-Warner Bros. merger discussions.
The proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is moving closer to finalization, having received regulatory approval from over a dozen countries.
A Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors report detailing potential job losses and economic impacts from a Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger has strengthened the position of state attorneys general considering action against the deal.
At the Deadline x Regal Future Of Storytelling event, movie business executives expressed a 'wait and see' approach regarding the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger and discussed strategies for attracting a new generation of audiences to cinemas.
Actress Jane Fonda spoke out against the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger at a New York City protest event, expressing concern for CNN due to her personal connection as the former wife of its founder, Ted Turner.
The European Union is tackling various issues, including a significant housing deficit across member states and streamlining defense procurement processes. Additionally, the EU is enforcing digital market regulations, such as ordering Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots.
Several U.S. states are reportedly preparing an antitrust lawsuit aimed at blocking the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The legal action seeks to prevent the consolidation of the two major media companies.
Several U.S. states, including California and New York, are reportedly preparing a lawsuit to block Paramount's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Meanwhile, the animated series based on the game 'Among Us' has surprise-dropped all its episodes on Paramount+.
Senator Elizabeth Warren and other Democratic lawmakers are pressing the Treasury Secretary to conduct a foreign ownership review of the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
US regulators are reportedly nearing approval for the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. This potential deal could significantly reshape the media landscape.
Paramount and Skydance are defending their proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery against concerns raised by figures like Tom Steyer and congressmen regarding its potential impact on media and competition. The companies argue the combined entity is necessary to compete with larger streaming services and will boost theatrical distribution.
Paramount is seeking approval from the FCC for its proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which would result in nearly 50% foreign ownership, including substantial investment from Middle Eastern funds. This approval is crucial for the completion of the major media deal.
Actor Mark Ruffalo testified at a Senate hearing, warning of "devastating" effects on film, TV, and media if the Paramount Skydance takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery proceeds, joining over 2,000 Hollywood signatories.
Cinema United, representing movie theater owners, has escalated its opposition to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger by appealing to Attorneys General Associations, citing concerns for 'Main Street America'.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has ordered an analysis of the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, including its impact on the entertainment industry workforce. HBO's Casey Bloys has also commented on the pivotal moment in entertainment history, acknowledging the ongoing developments with the merger.
The Pitt star Noah Wyle will be among those testifying at a hearing led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) on Friday, touching on Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros.
Paramount CEO David Ellison has outlined plans for a 30-movie annual slate with franchises like Godzilla-Kong and Superman, raising questions about the sustainability of a potential Paramount-Warner Bros. combined entity's box office dominance in 2027.
“Frankenstein” producer Scott Stuber has spent the last lap of award season fielding questions from industry insiders about his thoughts on the future of Warner Bros.
Actor Tom Cruise has publicly backed Paramount Global’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, expressing confidence that the merged entity will successfully deliver on its commitment to produce 30 movies per year. He described the deal as beneficial for cinematic abundance.
DC Studios head James Gunn addresses ongoing development plans for superhero franchises and dismisses rumors surrounding 'The Brave and the Bold' Batman series, noting that progress continues despite stalled Paramount-Warner Bros. merger negotiations.
The Iowa Attorney General has announced intentions to take California and its Attorney General, Rob Bonta, to the Supreme Court. This action stems from California's antitrust lawsuit concerning the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.
Paramount and the California Attorney General's office are scheduled to hold preliminary talks regarding the proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. This development follows actor Mark Ruffalo's strong criticism of the merger, which Paramount had controversially labeled as 'antisemitic'.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has expressed support for a settlement in the antitrust case regarding the potential Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, urging the California Attorney General to resolve the issue. This stance has drawn criticism from the WGA, which views it as a 'false choice'.
Major theater chains, including Cinemark, AMC Theatres, and Regal, are publicly supporting the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. This comes as Paramount seeks a $1.88 billion bond in an antitrust case, with states expressing concerns the deal could harm competition.
The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, has requested a transcribed interview with Paramount CEO David Ellison regarding the proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
The CEOs of the two largest theater chains in the United States have publicly expressed their support for the proposed merger between Paramount-Skydance and Warner Brothers-Discovery.
The United Kingdom has granted approval for Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, following concessions made by Paramount. This decision clears a significant regulatory hurdle for the major media merger.
A judge has scheduled the antitrust trial concerning the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger for March 2027. While David Ellison's team remains open to settlement, they express confidence in winning at trial.
The director of Locarno Pro highlights how major industry shifts, suchs as the potential Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, are influencing the programming and infrastructure of the global film industry, including the Locarno Film Festival.
A federal judge has temporarily halted Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing likely antitrust violations, though Paramount remains "highly confident" in the deal.
A judge has temporarily halted the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. This pause introduces uncertainty for the significant deal, which aims to combine the two media giants.
The European Commission has fined Google €890 million ($1 billion) for abusing its market dominance by favoring its own apps over rivals, a decision that risks angering the US. Google has stated that the EU law harms consumers and businesses.
A US federal judge has temporarily suspended Paramount's multi-billion dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The decision comes after several US states filed a lawsuit to block the merger.
A judge has denied a preliminary injunction sought by Paramount+ subscribers to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. States are expected to make another attempt to challenge the merger.
Multiple U.S. states, led by California, have filed lawsuits to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns that the deal would stifle competition. Despite the legal challenges, Paramount still aims to finalize the merger by the end of September.
Twelve US states, along with various industry groups, have filed lawsuits seeking to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. They argue that the combination would harm competition and is not in the public interest.
State attorneys general are reportedly preparing to file a lawsuit this week to halt the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., posing a significant obstacle to the deal.
The Oregon Attorney General has requested a 60-day delay in Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, suggesting that the Department of Justice's approval of the deal may have been corrupt.
The proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is anticipated to receive approval from European Union regulatory officials, following its earlier clearance by the U.S. Justice Department.
Local officials estimate that the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. could put 2,500 jobs at risk in Los Angeles County and an additional 6,000 globally.
The U.S. Department of Justice has reportedly cleared the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., moving forward with the deal despite internal staff objections.
The U.S. Justice Department has given its approval for Paramount's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. This decision clears the way for one of the largest media mergers in recent history.
The UK has initiated a formal review of the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Meanwhile, California is reportedly in discussions to hire a prominent tech lawyer to challenge the megadeal.
The proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance has sparked strong reactions in the entertainment industry, with Hollywood workers, unions, and politicians warning against the merger through protests and lawsuits.
A former California Attorney General has stated that the proposed $111 billion megadeal between Paramount and Warner Bros. should be carefully reviewed rather than automatically opposed.
Democratic senators are pressing the FCC to conduct a thorough review of the proposed $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, citing national security concerns over foreign investors, including Middle Eastern wealth funds.
The Blair Partnership, the agency representing 'Harry Potter,' signaled its support for the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, citing the studios' long-term vision and commitment to storytelling.
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have approved a proposed $111 billion merger with Paramount and Skydance Media, though the deal still faces regulatory review. This approval occurred despite significant opposition to CEO David Zaslav's associated payout.
Hollywood stars and industry executives are increasingly protesting the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, with an open letter signed by thousands. A hearing is planned where David Ellison is invited to testify, addressing concerns about market concentration.
Cinema United CEO Michael O’Leary has voiced concerns about a potential Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros., stating it could lead to theater closures, and also commented on Netflix's 'Narnia' project.
Paramount and Warner Bros. have released significantly fewer animated features compared to Disney and Universal over the past decade, indicating a strategic need for more animated content to remain competitive in the market.
A group of Democratic senators has called for a full and independent FCC review of the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, citing concerns over foreign ownership and investment. The $111 billion deal now faces challenges regarding its feasibility and potential for completion.
Jane Fonda put the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal on blast after the Oscars when she walked the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party wearing a “Block the Merger” pin.
Tencent is said to be re-engaging with fresh funding for a potential deal between Paramount and Warner Bros., indicating renewed interest in the media merger.
On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, Variety’s Michael Schneider examines the questions swirling around HBO as the storied brand braces for Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Supporters of the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. deal are utilizing artificial intelligence tools to lobby California Attorney General Rob Bonta to dismiss the ongoing antitrust case.
Despite a strong summer box office, major talent agencies like UTA are experiencing client departures and agent anxiety, partly due to the prolonged Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger negotiations draining industry momentum.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has canceled settlement talks with Paramount regarding its potential $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Bonta cited a 'lack of good faith' and accused Paramount of 'playing games' and leaking information.
Several nations and the EU, including Ursula von der Leyen, have strongly condemned Israel's plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, particularly the E1 plan, warning it undermines prospects for an independent Palestinian state. This widespread opposition highlights growing international concern over the impact of these expansions on the peace process and Palestinian rights.
Hollywood is experiencing significant division and fear among creatives regarding Paramount's pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, intensified by CEO David Ellison's threats to leave Los Angeles.
The proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. has received approval from Mexico, leaving a lawsuit by US State Attorneys General as the sole remaining barrier. David Ellison's Friday ParaBros News Dump included complaints about the 'needless costs' of the antitrust suit.
Movie theater owners are embroiled in a 'Cinema Civil War' over the proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount, with the exhibition industry's lobbying group, Cinema United, at the center of the drama.
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James of 'Abbott Elementary' expressed concerns about industry changes, including the pending Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, ahead of their show's Season 6 production.
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer publicly supported the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, stating that 'uncertainty is the worst thing for our business.'
A trial date has been set for March 2027 to address antitrust concerns regarding the potential merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. This legal proceeding will examine the competitive implications of the proposed media consolidation.
David Ellison broke his silence on the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger battle, stating that opposition stems from his potential control of CNN and vowing not to influence the news network's editorial independence.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly concerned that blocking the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger due to an antitrust lawsuit could negatively impact state employment.
Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, has publicly defended the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, criticizing a states' antitrust lawsuit as 'trash' and arguing it threatens to destroy competition in Hollywood.
CNN staffers reportedly maintain a grim morale despite a temporary restraining order delaying the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, which could give David Ellison control of the network.
The European Union has given its conditional approval to the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, while the deal remains on hold in the United States as a judge considers a preliminary injunction.
A court hearing took place to consider an emergency motion by state attorneys general seeking to pause the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Lawyers for both sides presented arguments, with the judge expected to rule on the motion next week.
Todd Blanche, President Trump's nominee for Attorney General, underwent a challenging confirmation hearing where he was grilled by senators on various issues including his loyalty to Trump, the handling of Epstein files, Trump's IRS settlement, and his role in a clemency inquiry. Blanche defended his past actions and decisions during the tense questioning.
Twelve U.S. states have filed a lawsuit to prevent the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The legal challenge has led to reactions in the stock market for both companies.
The proposed deal between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is being challenged by California and other states, raising potential antitrust concerns.
Oregon's attorney general has dropped its demand for records and withdrawn its motion to delay the closing of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, clearing a path for the deal to potentially close soon.
CNN staffers are reportedly concerned about a potential Bari Weiss takeover as the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition moves closer to completion.
The proposed $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount is likely to receive approval from the European Union, but the merger still faces a potential hurdle with the U.K.'s competition regulator, the CMA.
Archival producer Rochelle Widdowson has voiced concerns about the potential impact of the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger on the media business and historical archives.
Democratic Senators are urging the FCC to block the closing of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger until a review of the deal's foreign investment implications is concluded. They are concerned about potential foreign ownership issues related to the proposed media giant.
Top Justice Department officials reportedly moved to drop the antitrust investigation into Paramount's $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. This decision was made before staff lawyers, who were leaning towards an antitrust lawsuit, could issue a recommendation.
The European Union is reviewing foreign investments in the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. deal, while the Federal Communications Commission is also probing financing from Gulf sovereign wealth funds, which would own nearly half of the combined company.
The UK's competition watchdog has launched a formal investigation into Paramount's proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The regulator will assess the potential impact of the merger on market competition.
Writers, actors, crew members, and small business owners voiced strong opposition to the proposed $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger at a Beverly Hills town hall, fearing it could lead to the demise of a significant American industry.
The proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is approaching completion, but concerns around debt, execution risk, and long-term industry volatility loom large. On…
Changes at CBS are reportedly putting pressure on the California Attorney General to challenge the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Hollywood megamerger, even as the DOJ is expected to approve it.
The CBS News chief is expected to restructure '60 Minutes' and 'CBS Mornings' in the coming months, with a potential Paramount-Warner Bros. merger possibly leading to an even larger reorganization.
A group of consumers has initiated legal action to prevent the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. The lawsuit aims to challenge the deal on grounds that could impact market competition or consumer choice.
Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, is stepping down from his role as chairman after 29 years with the company. His departure marks a significant leadership change for the streaming giant, with some reports noting a drop in stock value following the announcement.
An open letter signed by over 1,000 Hollywood figures expresses opposition to the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., citing concerns about potential harm to creativity and jobs across the industry.
Despite regional tensions, investors from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries have committed $24 billion to Paramount's deal for Warner Bros.
Jazz musician Chuck Redd has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed against him by the 'Trump Kennedy Center' after he canceled a Christmas Eve 2025 concert in protest of the cultural institution's renaming, calling the case 'retaliatory'.
David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance has claimed it has “confidence in the speed and certainty of its regulatory pathway” in closing the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in a $111 billion deal.
Paramount-Warner Bros. merger talks continue, with Paramount CEO David Ellison positioning himself as a preserver of old Hollywood, though the feasibility of his promises remains uncertain. Regulators are also scrutinizing potential weak spots in the proposed deal.
After the mogul's European charm offensive, Brussels prepares for a complex antitrust review of the $110 billion studio tie-up — one more likely to slow the deal than stop it.
