California AG Rob Bonta says a CNN spin-off wouldn’t resolve Paramount–WBD lawsuit | CNN Business

Lawyers for the 12-state coalition trying to block the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery deal argued in court on Friday that a temporary restraining order (TRO) is necessary to stop the companies from completing the merger. Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín also heard Paramount’s arguments against the TRO. As CNN reported earlier this week, the companies expect the judge to issue a TRO, effectively pausing the merger for a couple of weeks while the legal process plays out. Judge Martínez-Olguín ultimately declined to rule on Friday and said she will issue a ruling on a temporary restraining order by Wednesday, July 22. Ahead of Friday’s hearing, I spoke with California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading the coalition of Democratic attorneys general against Paramount. Bonta also said he is “hopeful” a TRO will be granted, but acknowledged “it could take a few more days too.” It was clear that Bonta wanted to address the widespread talk about CNN, the ticking fee, and the notion of Paramount moving out of California. He said some of his opponents are “trying to take things out of context and create confusion.” But “our complaint couldn’t be clearer,” he