Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement on September 21, 2026, in response to the announcement of a settlement between Paramount and California and other states suing to block its merger with Warner Bros Discovery.
"My concern has always been that a merger could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs for hardworking Angelenos," Bass said. "From day one, I have been focused on protecting jobs and keeping productions in Los Angeles. For months, the uncertainty of no decision created instability that led to job losses and left workers wondering what it would mean for their futures."
Bass said Attorney General Bonta and Paramount reached a court-enforceable settlement that includes commitments to invest in local production, honor previously established collective bargaining agreements, invest in workforce training, and maintain consistent film production that supports tens of thousands of jobs across the industry.