WGA Rebukes Karen Bass Over $110 Billion Paramount-WBD Settlement Push
Updated
Updated · Deadline · Aug 20
WGA Rebukes Karen Bass Over $110 Billion Paramount-WBD Settlement Push
3 articles · Updated · Deadline · Aug 20
Summary
WGA on Thursday accused Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of aiding Paramount’s “pressure campaign” after she urged parties in the antitrust fight over the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal to negotiate a settlement.
Bass said prolonged uncertainty is stalling productions and threatening union jobs, arguing any settlement should include enforceable commitments to keep Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery jobs, production and investment in Los Angeles and California.
Rob Bonta, leading the 12-state case parallel to the WGA suit, has shown no appetite for talks after recent court wins, including a March trial date that leaves Paramount facing $650 million in quarterly ticking fees after September 30 if the deal stays open.
The clash lands as a county report projected 4,500 film and TV job losses and more than 10,000 regional losses from the merger, sharpening a political split over whether settlement would protect workers or speed deeper cuts.