All the major theater chains are now officially begging for the Paramount/Warner Bros. merger

Paramount Skydance's $110-111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is stalled due to a court-ordered freeze until June 2027. The deal has U.S. DOJ approval and 70 global clearances, but 12 states and the Writers Guild of America are pursuing antitrust claims. Paramount disputes market definitions, and ticking fees of $7 million per day may apply if the deal closes late. Trial is set for March 2027, with settlement talks stalled. The merger would combine CBS News and CNN under Ellison fa

12 state AGs and the Writers Guild of America oppose Paramount's request for a $1.88 billion bond to cover potential losses from delaying its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount argues the bond is necessary to cover ticking fees and financing costs if the merger is blocked. The states claim the bond would unfairly shift costs they argue Paramount agreed to assume.

New Jersey's Attorney General Davenport, along with 11 other Democratic AGs, is suing to block Paramount Skydance's $110B acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing antitrust concerns. Meanwhile, Hudson County Democrats urge her to drop the lawsuit, arguing it threatens jobs and investments in the state's film industry. Governor Sherrill supports Paramount's presence in New Jersey but has not commented on the lawsuit.

Iowa and Montana filed an 'original action' with the Supreme Court to block a merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Brothers, valued at $110 billion, and to halt an antitrust enforcement action by 12 Democratic-led states. The Supreme Court has the authority to hear disputes between states directly, and the process involves filing a bill of complaint and potentially appointing a special master.

News Corp (NWSA) reported $2.34B revenue, up 10.8% YoY, beating estimates. Scholastic (SCHL) reported $476.1M revenue, down 6.3% YoY, missing estimates. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) reported $8.72B revenue, down 11.2% YoY, mixed results. The New York Times (NYT) reported $762.5M revenue, up 11.2% YoY, beating estimates. Stocks reacted accordingly post-earnings.

AMC Entertainment (AMC) has closed 225 underperforming theatres and opened 66 since 2020, reducing its global circuit by 16%. It added 77 premium large-format and 193 XL auditoriums, increasing premium options by over 50%. In Q2 2026, revenues rose 6% and adjusted EBITDA surged 39.5% compared to Q2 2019, despite lower attendance and box office figures. New theatres generate higher revenues and profitability, with XL auditoriums costing less than $20,000 per screen and commanding 10% higher ticke