L.A. Mayoral Candidate Nithya Raman Says Legality of Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger “Should Be Decided in Court”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman reaffirmed her support for blocking the $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger through the state's antitrust lawsuit. She cited economic research showing the deal would eliminate thousands of jobs across entertainment and related industries, characterising it as harmful to workers and the city's economy. Raman objected to Paramount's conditional threat to relocate if the legal challenge proceeds, framing this as corporate coercion that should not influence the judicial process.
Raman's stance contrasts with that of sitting Mayor Karen Bass, who is also running for re-election and has called for the parties to reach a negotiated settlement quickly to reduce industry uncertainty. Both candidates have backing from different corners of the entertainment sector—Raman from writers and comedians, Bass from some crew unions and prominent figures. Several industry groups, including the DGA and IATSE, have similarly urged rapid resolution to the dispute.
- L.A. mayoral candidate Nithya Raman backs Attorney General Rob Bonta's antitrust lawsuit against the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, citing a county report projecting 4,500 entertainment jobs lost
- Raman opposes corporate pressure tactics, arguing merger legality should be settled in court; rival Mayor Karen Bass calls for faster negotiated resolution