Attorneys general from eleven U.S. states have called on the Department of Justice to closely examine Netflix’s proposed acquisition of key Warner Bros. studio and streaming assets.
In a joint letter, officials expressed concerns that the transaction could reduce competition in both streaming services and theatrical film markets. They warned that combining Netflix with Warner’s content library and HBO Max platform might lead to increased market concentration, potentially affecting pricing, innovation, and consumer choice.
The request comes as Warner Bros Discovery continues to weigh competing offers, including a revised bid from Paramount. The evolving negotiations have intensified political and regulatory scrutiny around the future of the entertainment industry.
State officials also highlighted the potential impact on movie theaters, noting that changes in release strategies could influence the number of films shown in cinemas. Some policymakers argue that consolidation at this scale could reshape distribution models and limit diversity in content delivery.
The Justice Department has yet to comment publicly. While states have authority to challenge mergers, federal regulators would play a central role in assessing the broader competitive implications.
The outcome of any review could influence the direction of ongoing negotiations and the structure of the global media landscape.
