California Attorney General Rob Bonta is expected to seek cable channel sales and studio separation concessions from Paramount before approving the $81 billion merger with Warner Bros. Bonta and Paramount CEO [PERSON_NAME] are scheduled to meet Monday to discuss antitrust concerns. The lawsuit argues the deal would create excessive market concentration in theatrical movies and cable TV.

Other state attorneys general, including those from [ADDRESS] and [ADDRESS], have also pressured the parties to reach a settlement. While Paramount has committed to 30 annual theatrical releases, it has resisted selling assets or agreeing to management structures limiting synergies. A sale of even a few cable networks could hinder Paramount's ability to service nearly $80 billion in post-closing debt.

The deal includes a "ticking fee" of roughly $650 million per quarter starting Oct. 1. If the trial proceeds, Paramount could face over $1 billion in such fees. Despite pressure from governors and mayors, significant progress appears unlikely at Monday's meeting.

The Justice Department approved the deal in June, and it has received clearance from the European Union and dozens of other countries.