TechnologyJuly 24, 2026

Court Pauses Paramount’s Deal for Two More Weeks

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② Start Lesson

Key Vocabulary

judge/dʒʌdʒ/

a person who makes decisions in a court

"The judge made a decision about the pause."

merger/ˈmɜːr.dʒər/

when two companies join and become one

"The merger would join two big film studios."

competition/ˌkɒm.pəˈtɪʃ.ən/

rivalry between companies that sell similar products

"States said the merger would reduce competition."

Listening

Court Pauses Paramount’s Deal for Two More Weeks

On July 23, 2026, a federal judge extended a pause on Paramount Skydance’s attempt to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. The court stopped the companies from closing the deal for another 14 days.

Twelve state attorneys general had sued to block the merger, saying it would hurt competition. The deal is about $110 billion and would combine film studios, streaming services and news channels. The Department of Justice had closed its own review of the merger on June 12, 2026.

Paramount and Warner Bros. said they will follow the judge’s order and remain separate while the court decides. The companies can ask for a hearing in August to argue their case.

110 words

Quiz

1. When did the judge extend the pause?

2. How many state attorneys general sued to block the merger?

3. How long was the pause extended?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you follow news about big companies and feel it affects your viewing choices?

Have you ever chosen a movie service because it had a film you liked? What was it?

What do you think about big companies owning many TV channels and streaming services?