Paramount reportedly nears announcing plans to leave California

Addressing reports that Paramount was close to announcing a California exit, Rob Bonta told MS NOW on September 17 that he did not want the company to leave. According to remarks shared by Brian Stelter, Bonta argued that nothing about the antitrust case required or would cause a departure. He said enforcement aimed to protect affordability, competition and jobs, warning that the merger could cost 5,000 to 10,000 jobs. A critic disputed his position on September 18, arguing that the case itself was driving the potential exit and pointing to California taxes, costs and delay fees.