The lawsuit from the states alleges that the deal would harm movie theaters, basic cable distributors, and audiences.

A judge on Friday heard arguments on the states' bid to pause the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, but did not issue a ruling.

Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín determined the merger likely violated antitrust laws.

California and eleven states secured a pause on Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. They argued the massive media merger would harm competition and raise prices. …

A federal judge on Monday ordered Paramount and Warner Bros