The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. The DOJ's investigation concluded that the merger is not likely to harm competition or American consumers, particularly in areas such as streaming and film production. The investigation lasted eight months and involved reviewing over 2 million documents from 80 sources.
The DOJ stated that the merger could enhance competition in the media and entertainment sector, benefiting consumers and workers. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery announced their merger deal in February, which followed a bidding process that included Netflix. The deal grants Paramount ownership of several major franchises, including Game of Thrones, Mission Impossible, and Harry Potter.
The merger has faced scrutiny from some political figures, with Democrats expressing concerns. Representatives Sam Liccardo and Deborah Ross, along with European lawmakers, have criticized the merger. Senator Elizabeth Warren has also opposed the DOJ's approval, stating that it poses risks of influence from wealthy individuals aligned with political interests.