WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of Illinois lawmakers led by Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García is pressing Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to consider joining state or multistate efforts to scrutinize or block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
Concerns over competition, prices and content diversity
In a letter delivered Thursday, García and four House colleagues said the transaction could substantially reduce competition in the entertainment industry, with consequences for consumers, workers and small businesses across Illinois. The lawmakers contend the deal would combine two vertically integrated studios into “a new dominant studio and media conglomerate,” a structure they say could lead to lower output, higher prices and diminished diversity in storytelling and news.
“In an already concentrated industry, this deal would combine two of the few vertically integrated movie studios into a new dominant studio and media conglomerate, eliminating head-to-head competition in a highly concentrated market and leading to reduced output, higher prices for consumers, and diminished diversity in American storytelling and newsgathering.”
The letter further criticized the U.S. Department of Justice’s handling of the merger review, asserting that career staff who were inclined to recommend litigation did not have adequate opportunity to oppose approval. The lawmakers urged Raoul’s office to undertake an “objective and independent review” and to support any lawful challenge if the merger is found to violate antitrust laws.
Who signed and what they asked
Along with García (IL-04), the letter was signed by Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). The group asked the attorney general to assess potential harms to Illinois residents and to participate in investigation or litigation if appropriate.
- Signers: Jesús García, Danny K. Davis, Jonathan Jackson, Delia Ramirez, Jan Schakowsky
- Main request: Attorney General Raoul to review and consider legal action
- Primary concerns: competition, consumer prices, job impacts, media diversity
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Companies | Paramount; Warner Bros. Discovery |
| Illinois signers | 5 House members |
| Requested action | Investigation and potential litigation |
The correspondence reflects growing scrutiny of consolidation in the media sector, where critics argue mergers reduce competition and bargaining power for independent theaters, streaming platforms, advertisers and local news outlets. The signers emphasized state-level authority to protect consumers and preserve market competition.
Representatives pointed to “significant opposition from key stakeholders” and raised questions about the review process at the Department of Justice. They asked Raoul to lend the Illinois attorney general’s office’s resources if he determines that the merger violates state or federal antitrust laws.
Copies of the full letter were made available by García’s congressional office. The lawmakers did not propose specific legal strategies in the public release but framed their request as support for the attorney general’s independent review and any subsequent challenge.
As state and federal officials weigh the deal, Illinois consumers, workers and local businesses could see effects if the merger proceeds unchecked, the letter warns. Any decision by the attorney general’s office to join an investigation or lawsuit would be the next significant step in a process that could reshape the national media landscape.
