Motion seeks analysis of job impacts from Paramount Skydance deal, antitrust comments to Justice Department.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath introduced a motion directing county staff to assess the potential economic and workforce effects of Paramount Skydance’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros., including the studio, HBO and CNN.
The motion, scheduled for discussion at the Board of Supervisors meeting March 17, calls for the Department of Economic Opportunity to prepare an interim report in 60 days and a final report in 120 days evaluating impacts on direct, indirect and induced employment in the county’s entertainment sector. It also directs staff to develop an action plan using existing workforce programs, such as High Road Training Partnerships, to support affected workers through training and job placement.
County Counsel would be authorized to submit formal comments to the U.S. Department of Justice on antitrust concerns and to monitor related actions by state attorneys general, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The entertainment industry employs more than 171,000 people in Los Angeles County and supports hundreds of thousands more through related businesses. Horvath cited recent challenges — including production declines, the 2023 strikes and the January 2025 wildfires — and noted that major studio mergers have historically led to layoffs and reduced film output.
Paramount Skydance’s offer, which would saddle the combined entity with an estimated $90 billion in debt, has raised industry concerns about workforce reductions and diminished competition. Netflix previously pursued Warner Bros. but declined to match the latest bid. The deal requires regulatory approval from the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.
