CFJ Op-Ed: California is suing to preserve Hollywood’s decline
- Ashley Baker
- Jul 30
- 1 min read
Committee for Justice Executive Director Ashley Baker has published a new op-ed in The Orange County Register arguing that California’s lawsuit against the Paramount Skydance / Warner Bros. Discovery merger would do little to revive Hollywood. Instead, she warns, the state is trying to preserve a struggling status quo.
Hollywood Is Already In Decline
The op-ed points to a film industry facing serious structural challenges: fewer moviegoers, fewer theatrical releases, rising production costs, and a creative economy still recovering from years of disruption. Baker argues that blocking the merger will not solve those problems or bring audiences back to theaters.
More Output, Not Less Competition
Baker contends that the deal should be judged by whether it would increase production, strengthen theatrical releases, and support workers across the entertainment ecosystem. Paramount has pledged to maintain both studios and release at least 30 theatrical films annually, commitments Baker argues could help sustain jobs and give theaters more films to show.
Antitrust Should Follow The Evidence
The central point is that antitrust enforcement should focus on actual competitive effects, not political narratives about consolidation. If the industry’s problem is too little investment and too few compelling releases, then blocking a merger that could expand output risks making Hollywood’s decline worse.
The Bottom Line
Baker concludes that California should not use antitrust law to freeze a failing market in place. Courts should look at the evidence and ask whether the merger would harm consumers, workers, and competition, or whether it could help deliver more films, more jobs, and more choices.
