Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Antitrust topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Burbank residents urge council to challenge studio mergers as job losses mount
Summary
Multiple residents and workers asked the council to explore legal or political steps to block a potential Warner/Warner‑Discovery/Netflix merger, arguing consolidation threatens local entertainment jobs; Councilmember Anthony requested a first‑step report on feasibility of litigation.
A string of public comments at the Dec. 9 Burbank City Council meeting called on elected officials to take steps to block proposed studio consolidations and protect local jobs. Several speakers who said they work in animation and media—including union members and former studio employees—argued mergers reduce local employment and harm the Burbank economy.
Jean Kang (Local 839) told council that the Paramount/Warner (or Netflix) buyout is an 'antitrust fire' that threatens union jobs and local businesses. Callers and in‑person speakers recounted workforce reductions tied to past mergers and urged the council to refer the matter to federal review or consider litigation. At the end of the meeting Councilmember Anthony formally requested a 'first step' report on the feasibility of commencing litigation to block any acquisition of Warner Brothers Studios on antitrust grounds.
City staff noted that such a legal path would need to be agendized for detailed council consideration and that municipalities typically have limited authority over private corporate transactions, but the council request signals an intent to research legal options and potential next steps.
Council agreed to receive a staff report; no litigation was initiated at the meeting.
