Tennessee AG joins multi-state letter raising antitrust concerns over proposed Netflix-Warner Bros. merger
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Nashville, TN — Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has joined a coalition of state attorneys general urging the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct a thorough antitrust review of the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros., warning that the deal could harm consumers, creators, and the broader film industry.
In a letter sent February 24 to U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and senior officials in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, the bipartisan group of attorneys general expressed concerns that the merger would substantially lessen competition in the Subscription Video on Demand market, leading to higher prices, reduced content quality, and fewer choices for consumers.
The letter also highlights the potential impact on theatrical movie exhibition, noting that many filmmakers view theatrical releases as essential to their creative vision. The attorneys general warn that changes to Warner Bros.’ longstanding theatrical distribution model could undermine movie theaters that are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and industry labor strikes.
Attorney General Skrmetti emphasized the potential harm to creative professionals. “This merger threatens to devastate movie and television production and abandon America’s enduring legacy as the dominant force in global cinema,” said Attorney General Skrmetti. “The market power of a combined Netflix/Warner Brothers will lead to an inundation of cheap slop and the death of the movie theater industry. We are exploring options to protect Tennessee consumers and creators.”
The coalition urged the Department of Justice to apply close scrutiny under the Clayton Act and offered assistance as federal regulators evaluate the transaction.
In addition to Tennessee, the letter was signed by the attorneys general of Nebraska, Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Utah.
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