Paramount Exit Could Cost California Thousands of Jobs, County Warns

A leaked Los Angeles County EDC memo warns that Paramount’s threat to relocate its headquarters and operations from California amid antitrust actions over its Warner Bros. Discovery merger could inflict heavy economic pain. In the 2026–2031 window, the county says 2,750–5,550 California job-years and $1.01–$2.03 billion in output could be lost, with statewide figures swelling to 28,990–57,980 jobs and $10.6–$21.2 billion in annual output. The document also flags broader production and real estate impacts if Paramount and WBD depart. Paramount contests the antitrust case and argues the merger would benefit competition, while settlement talks with AGs loom and an October 1 deadline carries substantial ticking-fee costs if the deal collapses.