GOP Attorneys General Call for DOJ Review of Netflix-Warner Bros Merger

Eleven Republican state attorneys general are asking the Justice Department to carefully examine Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros studio and streaming properties. The officials warn the merger could harm competition and lead to higher prices for consumers.

A coalition of Republican attorneys general from eleven states is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to carefully examine Netflix’s proposed purchase of Warner Bros studio and streaming properties, warning the merger could undermine America’s film industry leadership, according to correspondence obtained by Reuters.

Netflix faces increasing pressure to navigate regulatory challenges and improve its proposal, especially after Warner Bros Discovery indicated it would consider Paramount Skydance’s enhanced offer of $31 per share.

Nebraska and Montana spearheaded the coalition asking the DOJ to examine how the merger might impact streaming service customers and the theatrical movie release market.

In their letter, the attorneys general stated the transaction “will likely result in undue market concentration that stifles competition and therefore creates higher prices, lower reliability, and less innovation for one of America’s major industries—all to the detriment of American consumers.”

Officials expressed concern that Netflix gaining control over Warner Bros’ extensive content collection and incorporating competing streaming platform HBO Max could reduce competition in the subscription video marketplace. They also referenced objections from cinema industry organizations worried the Netflix acquisition would lead to fewer theatrical movie releases.

The coalition included attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Iowa, North Dakota, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Utah.

California’s attorney general has previously indicated the state is closely monitoring both Netflix’s proposal and Paramount’s rival offer.

Netflix representatives did not immediately provide comment when contacted. The streaming company has previously stated the acquisition would help consumers and employees, and committed to continuing theatrical movie releases.