Burbank council seeks options to protect local jobs amid possible Warner Brothers sale, city attorney says suit unlikely
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Summary
After sustained public comment urging action, the Burbank City Council directed staff to draft letters to state and federal officials asking them to review any studio acquisition for local job impacts, and asked the city attorney for an informational memo on options — though the city attorney said Burbank likely lacks authority to bring an antitrust suit without outside counsel.
The Burbank City Council on Dec. 16 voted to have city staff prepare flexible letters to California and federal officials expressing concern about potential job losses if Warner Brothers is sold and to stand ready to support investigations into antitrust risks. Councilmember Chris Anthony, who brought the request, also asked for a legal memo on feasibility, standing and cost.
The council heard more than a dozen public commenters — including entertainment workers, union members and business leaders — who urged either legal or political action to protect local jobs and warned consolidation would harm the city economy. Jamie Keyser Thomas, CEO of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, opposed a city-led lawsuit, saying antitrust enforcement “belongs at the state or federal level” and warning litigation could be costly and risky for the city.
City Attorney explained the limits of municipal authority. “We don't have authority to file such an action,” the city attorney said, noting that state unfair-competition actions are governed by Business and Professions Code section 17200 and that only larger cities or state officials typically prosecute such claims. He told council that pursuing litigation would likely require retaining outside counsel and that any written memorandum about litigation would be attorney–client privileged if it anticipated litigation.
Anthony said he sought only information to understand options and suggested an advocacy route: “I would like us to send a letter to some other folks who may be able to help us out,” asking that the letters emphasize concern for jobs and request review by the attorney general and federal representatives.
Council members debated timing and wording. Some members favored waiting for a more concrete transaction before sending formal letters; others said a prompt statement of concern could prompt action by higher authorities. City Manager said staff would prepare draft letters tailored for state and federal recipients and would stand ready to adjust language if the target or details of a deal change.
On a roll call, the council voted unanimously to direct staff to prepare the letters and to authorize the city manager and attorney to circulate draft language to councilmembers for signature when appropriate. The council did not direct the city to commence litigation.
