OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington is among 12 states that are suing to challenge a proposed mega-merger of media giants.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown co-led the lawsuit Monday, July 13 against Paramount’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

The coalition argues the proposed merger would “extinguish competition” while raising prices, lowering quality and reducing jobs.

According to their complaint, the combined companies would control nearly a third of both theatrical movie releases and basic cable programming.

Paramount responded in a statement that the lawsuit reflects a “flawed” application of antitrust laws, adding that the merger would create “stronger competition” against streamers and tech platforms.

The merger received approval from shareholders in April and the Trump administration just last month.