WGA Slams Bass for Settlement Push in Paramount-WBD Merger

The Writers Guild of America condemned Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for backing a settlement in the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger lawsuit, arguing she joined a Democratic pressure campaign that would force a “false choice”—jobs today versus potential layoffs tomorrow. Bass says the goal is to keep Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery in L.A. with enforceable commitments to protect workers and productions, while Paramount and others push for a negotiated outcome amid a ticking-fee penalty and an upcoming March trial date. California AG Rob Bonta and a coalition of states have been pursuing antitrust action, with thousands of LA-area jobs at stake as executives weigh whether to stay in L.A. or relocate.