Laura Friedman

RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Leads 34 California Members of Congress in Supporting Attorney General Bonta’s Review of Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

Position: The representatives support California Attorney General Bonta's review of the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger, expressing concern that the deal could harm California workers and consumers through job losses and reduced industry output, and urging a thorough independent analysis.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, May 7, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced that she led 34 California Members of Congress in expressing support for California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s review of the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. The California lawmakers thanked the Attorney General for his commitment to conduct a “full and robust review” of the deal, expressed concern that the merger could harm California workers and consumers, and urged him to closely analyze its potential effects. “We remain concerned that the proposed merger could harm California workers and consumers,” wrote the 34 California Members of Congress to Attorney General Bonta. “Importantly, the proposed merger does not occur in a vacuum. Decades of consolidation in this industry have already resulted in reduced output, higher prices, fewer choices, and less innovation, while merged studios face few consequences for breaking their pre-merger promises.” The letter also highlighted the unprecedented politicization of antitrust enforcement by the Trump Administration: “Given that we cannot have confidence that the Trump Administration review of the merger will be conducted according to the law, and with the best interests of American workers and consumers in mind, it is even more vital that you conduct a thorough, independent review,” the 34 lawmakers wrote. CALIFORNIA’S ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY CRISIS: In just the past year, on-location production in the greater Los Angeles area declined 13.2%, for the July through September 2025 period. More than 42,000 jobs in Los Angeles County’s motion picture industry were lost from 2022 to 2024. Paramount is projecting $6 billion in expense cuts over three years if the merger proceeds, with analysts predicting significant job losses. Decades of entertainment industry consolidation have already reduced output, raised prices, limited consumer choices, and stifled innovation—while merged studios face few consequences for breaking pre-merger promises. The letter was signed by Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Lou Correa (CA-46), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jimmy Gomez (CA-35), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mike Levin (CA-49, Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18, Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and George Whitesides (CA-27). The full text of the letter is available here and below. The Honorable Rob Bonta Office of the Attorney General California Department of Justice 1300 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814-2919 Dear Attorney General Bonta: We write to thank you for your commitment to conduct a “full and robust review” of the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. We remain concerned that the proposed merger could harm California workers and consumers. We therefore respectfully urge you to closely analyze the potential effects of this merger and, if you determine that this merger would have anticompetitive effects, use your best judgement to pursue the appropriate course of action. California’s film industry has already endured enormous disruption as production has increasingly left the state. On-location production in the greater Los Angeles area declined 13.2% from July through September 2025 compared to the same period last year. This reduction builds on the loss of more than 42,000 jobs in Los Angeles County’s motion picture industry from 2022-2024. It has had a devastating effect on the workers and their families who form the backbone of Hollywood’s creative economy. Simultaneously, we’ve continued to watch as these jobs, and many companies, have left the United States altogether for foreign venues abroad. Paramount is projecting to cut $6 billion in expenses over three years should this merger proceed. Analysts predict that many of these savings will be accomplished through significant job loss. Importantly, the proposed merger does not occur in a vacuum. Decades of consolidation in this industry have already resulted in reduced output, higher prices, fewer choices, and less innovation, while merged studios face few consequences for breaking their pre-merger promises. It is also impossible to overlook the unprecedented politicization of antitrust enforcement by the Trump Administration. Given that we cannot have confidence that the Trump Administration review of the merger will be conducted according to the law, and with the best interests of American workers and consumers in mind, it is even more vital that you conduct a thorough, independent review. California has a long history of fighting for the rights of workers and consumers. We applaud you for carrying that mantle forward and urge you to closely scrutinize this merger. We support your investigative efforts and thank you for your leadership at this critical moment. Sincerely, [SIGNED MEMBERS OF CONGRESS] ###

RELEASE: Reps. Friedman, Chu, Correa Lead Press Conference Fighting Back Against FCC’s Weaponization of Regulatory Power to Silence Critics

Position: Representatives Friedman, Chu, and Correa oppose the FCC's decision to order early license renewals for ABC-owned stations, characterizing it as retaliation for media criticism of the President and a violation of First Amendment protections. They call for congressional oversight, hearings, subpoenas, and legislation to hold the FCC accountable.

Above: Friedman speaking in front of the Kimmel Studios. LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, May 6, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30), led a rally with Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28) and Lou Correa (CA-46) to fight back against the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision forcing early license renewals for Disney’s ABC-owned stations. The FCC’s action was taken one day after President Trump publicly demanded ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel. Friedman called for full congressional oversight of the FCC's communications with the White House, including hearings and subpoenas, under a future Democratic majority. A recording of the press conference can be found here. On April 28, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr ordered Disney to file early license renewals for all eight ABC-owned broadcast stations which were not due for renewal until 2028 at the earliest. The order came one day after President Trump posted on social media that Kimmel “should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC” following a White House Correspondents’ Dinner parody. Carr cited a year-old DEI investigation as justification, but the investigation had seen no action since it was opened in March 2025. “The President demanded a firing on Monday. The FCC pulled the licenses on Tuesday. That’s just blatant retaliation,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “This is a coordinated campaign to punish media companies that criticize the President and it’s been a long running pattern for this President’s Administration. Now, they’re threatening ABC’s licenses to make sure everyone else falls in line. When Democrats take back the majority, we will hold this FCC accountable — with hearings, subpoenas, and legislation.” In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 in NRA v. Vullo that government officials cannot coerce private parties to punish or suppress disfavored speech. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, one of the agency’s two Democratic members, called the license review “the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date,” stating that “the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call.” The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression called the action “viewpoint retaliation.” ESCALATING ATTACKS ON ABC AND FREE SPEECH: December 2024: Disney pays Trump $16 million to settle the Stephanopoulos defamation case, including $15 million to Trump’s presidential library September 2025: FCC Chairman Carr threatens ABC’s licenses; Nexstar pulls Kimmel’s show; Disney suspends Kimmel indefinitely; Friedman organizes rally drawing hundreds April 23, 2026: Kimmel airs White House Correspondents’ Dinner parody April 27, 2026: Trump posts that Kimmel “should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC” April 28, 2026: FCC orders early license renewals for all eight ABC-owned stations FRIEDMAN’S ACTIONS FIGHTING BACK: Called for full congressional oversight of the FCC’s communications with the White House, including hearings and subpoenas, under a future Democratic majority Led the first major rally defending free speech outside the Kimmel Studios in September 2025, drawing hundreds of supporters and national media coverage Organized today’s press conference bringing together Members of Congress, a veteran, former reporters, and free speech advocates Friedman was joined by Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28) and Lou Correa (CA-46), former reporter and content creator Heather Gardner, Iraq War veteran and independent journalist Jerrod Zisser, and comedian and influencer Lisandra Vazquez. Below: Reps. Friedman, Chu, and Correa alongside former reporter and content creator Heather Gardner, Iraq War veteran and independent journalist Jerrod Zisser, and comedian and influencer Lisandra Vazquez. Image

STATMENT: Congresswoman Friedman Response to Trump Administration Forcing Early License Renewal for Disney/ABC

Position: Rep. Friedman opposes the Trump Administration's decision to force early license renewal for Disney/ABC, characterizing it as government retaliation against critical media coverage and a violation of First Amendment protections for press freedom.

WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, April 29, 2026 U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) released the following statement on the FCC’s decision to force an early renewal of broadcasting licenses for Disney/ABC, a blatant attempt at government retaliation. Rep. Friedman said: “The Trump Administration forcing Disney/ABC to renew its broadcast licenses early is blatant government retaliation against a network that airs critical voices. This is the kind of move we condemn when it happens in other countries. It's happening here now. One FCC Commissioner called this ‘the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date.‘ And this isn't just a threat at Disney, it's a direct message to every newsroom in America: air content we don't like, and we'll come after your licenses. Report critically on this administration and your entire business could vanish overnight. This is how authoritarian regimes often control the press. They threaten their ability to exist until self-censorship does the work for them. I'm working with colleagues in Congress to fight back. We will use every tool we have to stop this administration from weaponizing federal agencies to silence critics. The First Amendment and a free press aren't negotiable.” ###

RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Speaks at ANCA Burbank’s Armenian Genocide Commemoration

Above: Friedman speaks to crowd gathered at ANCA Burbank’s Armenian Genocide Commemoration. BURBANK, CA — U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) joined local community members, elected officials, and leaders of the Armenian American community at the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Burbank Chapter’s Annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration. Friedman has spoken at this commemoration event annually since she was elected to serve in Congress and is continuing her work to ensure the Armenian Genocide is recognized. “In just the past year alone we’ve seen Armenian-genocide denialism from the highest levels of government, which underscores just how important commemorating the Armenian genocide is,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Today is not just an important reminder to remember history, but to stand by the Armenian American community at home while ensuring that the United States serves as a strong ally for the nation of Armenia.” 2026 marks the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Empire in a genocide that has been denied for more than a century. As the representative for California’s 30th Congressional District, home to the largest number of Armenians outside of Armenia, Friedman brought her advocacy of Armenian issues to Congress. She has spoken out against Vice President JD Vance’s decision to delete a social media post he had published recognizing the Armenian genocide. She also called out the assault of protestors by members of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s security detail. Friedman’s Advocacy for the Armenian American Community Includes: Cosponsor of the Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act (H.R. 5369) Co-authored and supported multiple resolutions reaffirming recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Secured funding to preserve Armenian cultural heritage. Called for an end of military aid to Azerbaijan. Advocated for Armenian American history to be included in ethnic studies curriculums. Called for the release of the 23 prisoners detained in Azerbaijan. Friedman was joined by ANCA Chairman Sarkis Simonian, ANCA Board Member Antranik Jarchafjian, Burbank City Councilmembers Nikki Perez and Konstantine Anthony, Burbank USD Board Member Dr. Armond Aghkhanian, Homenetmen scouts, and local Armenian American community members. Below: Friedman with ANCA Chairman Sarkis Simonian, ANCA Board Member Antranik Jarchafjian, Burbank City Councilmembers Nikki Perez and Konstantine Anthony, Burbank USD Board Member Dr. Armond Aghkhanian, Homenetmen scouts, and local Armenian American community members. Image

RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Unveils Bipartisan Next Gen Road Safety Act to Give Law Enforcement Modern Tools to De-Escalate High-Speed Pursuits

Position: Rep. Friedman supports federal funding through the COPS grant program to provide law enforcement with modern de-escalation technology for high-speed vehicular pursuits, including vehicle-disabling systems, drones, and police bumper systems.

Above: Congresswoman Friedman announces the Next Gen Road Safety Act alongside law enforcement leaders and road safety advocates at McCambridge Park in Burbank. BURBANK, CA — Today, April 8, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced the bipartisan Next Gen Road Safety Act, which expands the COPS grant program so law enforcement agencies can access federal funding for modern technology to prevent and de-escalate high-speed vehicular pursuits. Friedman was joined by local law enforcement and road safety organizations. A recording of the press conference can be found here. “Every person on our roads deserves to get home safe — the officer on patrol, the family driving to dinner, the teenager walking to school,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Right now, our officers are facing a massive technology gap. They don’t have the modern tools to de-escalate dangerous chases quickly and safely. The Next Gen Road Safety Act changes that by unlocking federal investment through the COPS grant program for vehicle-disabling systems, drones, and police bumper systems. This bill is simple, it’s bipartisan, and it will save lives. I’m proud that law enforcement leaders and road safety advocates are standing together today — because when we invest in smarter tools, everybody wins.” THE NEXT GEN ROAD SAFETY ACT: The Next Gen Road Safety Act amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to add a new eligible use for COPS grants. Supports local agencies in purchasing tools to de-escalate chases such as: Vehicle-disabling systems that can safely stop a fleeing car Police bumper systems that reduce the risk of dangerous collisions Drones that can track a vehicle from the air so officers don’t have to put themselves or the public in danger on the ground BY THE NUMBERS: More than 94% of police pursuits end without any safe termination technology deployed The U.S. Department of Justice has called vehicular pursuits “the most dangerous of all ordinary police activities” Between 2017 and 2022, at least 3,336 people were killed in police vehicular pursuits nationwide — nearly 2 per day More than 52,600 people were injured in pursuits over the same period More than half of those killed were not the fleeing driver — they were bystanders, passengers, and pedestrians In California in 2022: nearly 12,000 pursuits, 34 deaths, more than 400 bystander injuries California had more bystander deaths from police pursuits than any other state At least 30% of all police vehicle chases involve collisions; nearly 1 in 5 result in injuries or death LAPD data shows car chases surged in 2024, with 1,116 pursuits — the most since 2018 Congresswoman Friedman was joined today by Burbank City Councilmember Nikki Perez, Los Angeles County Assistant Sheriff Myron Johnson, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Commander Jennifer L. Seetoo, Los Angeles Police Department Captain Yvonne Ortiz, Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero, Burbank Deputy Police Chief Adam Cornils, Glendale Interim Police Chief Robert William, and Streets For All Founder and CEO Michael Schneider. Below: Congresswoman Friedman announces the Next Gen Road Safety Act alongside law enforcement leaders and road safety advocates at McCambridge Park in Burbank. Image

RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Joins Shadow Hearing on Protecting American Democracy

Position: Rep. Friedman opposes the Trump administration's actions dismantling election security infrastructure and restricting voting access through proof-of-citizenship mandates, mail-in voting restrictions, and voter roll demands.

Above: Rep. Friedman seated at shadow hearing on protecting democracy. LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, April 7, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) joined a shadow field hearing on protecting American democracy at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles. The hearing was organized by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, and House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joseph D. Morelle. During the hearing, Members heard from expert witnesses on the threats to election security, voting rights, and democratic institutions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Since returning to office, President Trump has effectively gutted the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the agency he himself created in 2018 and called “vital,” pushing out nearly a third of its employees, halting election security work, and assigning 2020 election deniers to oversee what remains. At the same time, the administration has issued executive orders seeking to restrict mail-in voting, pushed proof-of-citizenship mandates that could prevent millions of eligible voters from casting their ballots, demanded voter registration files from states, and had the FBI seize materials from the 2020 election in Georgia and Arizona. “While our election security infrastructure is being dismantled, this administration is simultaneously making it harder for eligible Americans to vote — pushing proof-of-citizenship mandates, demanding voter rolls from states, restricting mail-in voting, and threatening federal enforcement at polling places,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “We held this hearing in the Democracy Forum, inside a museum that tells the story of Americans who had their rights stripped away by their own government. That history is a warning. Democracy has to be defended, and that’s exactly what we intend to do.” The shadow hearing heard testimony from Hector Villagra, Vice President of Policy Advocacy and Community Education at MALDEF; Sonni Waknin, Program Manager at the UCLA Voting Rights Project; Darius Kemp, Executive Director of Common Cause California; Jenny Farrell, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of California; and Justin Levitt, Professor of Law at Loyola Law School and former White House Senior Policy Advisor for Democracy and Voting Rights. THREATS TO THE 2026 MIDTERMS: Nearly a third of CISA’s employees have been pushed out, election security work has been halted, and 2020 election deniers have been assigned to oversee the agency’s remaining election functions The administration cut funding for the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), the only coordinated national warning system for cyber threats to election systems Last week, the President signed a new executive order directing the Postal Service to only deliver mail ballots to voters on a federal government–approved list — despite the fact that he recently voted by mail and mail ballot fraud occurs in roughly four cases per 10 million ballots cast House Republicans passed the SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote — a requirement that more than 21 million eligible citizens cannot readily meet The Justice Department has demanded voter registration files from most states, and allies of the President have called for ICE agents to be deployed at polling places during the midterms Congresswoman Friedman was joined at the hearing by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, and House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joseph D. Morelle, Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43), Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35), Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Rep. Luz Rivas (CA-29) Below: Rep. Friedman with fellow Democratic colleagues. Image

RELEASE: Congresswoman Friedman Urges Metro Board to Support San Vicente-Fairfax route for K Line Extension Plans

Position: Rep. Friedman urges the Metro Board to approve the K Line North Extension with the San Vicente-Fairfax route, arguing it will improve public transit connectivity and reduce congestion without raising taxes.

LOS ANGELES, CA —U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30 released her letter to the Metro Board of Directors urging them to move forward with K Line North Extension plans and the San Vicente-Fairfax route. The Metro Board vote is set for today, Thursday, March 26th at 10 AM. Rep. Laura Friedman released a video on social media in support of the K Line, which can be viewed here. “I fought to implement the law that unlocked billions in financing for the K Line extension without the need to raise taxes because I believe Angelenos deserve to be able to ride on the public transit they’ve voted and paid for. The LA Metro Board can deliver on that same promise at today’s board meeting by voting to move forward with the K Line extension and the San Vicente-Fairfax route,” said Congresswoman Friedman (CA-30). “The decision before us is whether we want a better, more connected Los Angeles, or if we’d rather spend more of our lives sitting in smog and traffic.” During her time in the Assembly, Rep. Friedman led AB 761, legislation that allowed cities like West Hollywood to unlock financing tools to build travel options without raising taxes which made the K Line extension possible. Throughout her entire elected career, Friedman has led the charge to build transit that better connects the region. In Congress, she has introduced bills like the Safe and Affordable Transit Act to improve public safety aboard public transit, once again without any impact on transit fares and taxpayers. A copy of the letter to the Metro Board of Directors can be found here and below: March 17, 2026 Board of Directors Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012 Re: Support for the K Line Northern Extension, San Vicente-Fairfax Alignment Dear Metro Board of Directors, I am writing in support of the San Vicente-Fairfax alignment for the Metro K Line Northern Extension. Once completed, this route will bring fast, reliable, and affordable transit from the South Bay, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), South LA, Inglewood, and the Crenshaw corridor to Mid-City, West Hollywood, and Hollywood. This alignment will rank among the highest-ridership light-rail lines in the country, with almost 100,000 daily riders, and it would serve 325,000 residents, 250,000 workers, 770 regional destinations, and 80,000 low-to-no-car households. It will ease congestion and free up parking in our communities. The San Vicente-Fairfax alignment will expand access to LACMA, Museum Row, Miracle Mile, the Grove, the Original Farmers Market, Television City, the Beverly Center, West Hollywood’s Rainbow District and Pacific Design Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and many underserved communities. This project will also provide a direct connection to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the nation’s premier healthcare providers. I encourage the Metro Board of Directors to support the San Vicente-Fairfax alignment as the best option for our communities. Let’s make sure the K Line connects more people to more places. Sincerely, Laura Friedman Member of Congress ###

RELEASE: Rep. Friedman Joins Sen. Schiff’s Spotlight Hearing on the Film and Television Industry

Position: Rep. Friedman advocates for a national film tax credit to support domestic film and television production and protect jobs in the industry, and opposes corporate consolidation in entertainment that threatens employment.

Above: Friedman and Schiff on at the spotlight hearing in Burbank. BURBANK, CA — Today, March 20, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) joined Senator Adam Schiff’s Senate Spotlight Hearing titled “Lights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production” in Burbank to examine the growing threats facing the American film and TV industry and its workforce. At the hearing, Friedman discussed her work on a national film tax credit, the proposed $110 billion Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, and ongoing local job loss in the industry. “We've lost 40% of our production jobs in three years, one-third of our soundstages are sitting empty, and now a $110 billion merger is threatening to gut even more jobs,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “That's why this spotlight hearing matters, and I want to thank Senator Schiff for bringing it to Burbank, where these job losses hit home. I'm fighting for a federal production tax credit that levels the playing field, and I won't stop until we get it done.” FRIEDMAN’S WORK TO PROTECT INDUSTRY JOBS: Friedman has been working on bipartisan legislation to create a national film tax credit to help the United States remain competitive in the global market and encourage domestic filming. In February 2026, Friedman and Sen. Schiff sent a joint letter to Netflix and Paramount demanding concrete commitments to preserve and expand film and television jobs in Los Angeles as both companies pursued the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Friedman has been a leading voice in Congress on protecting entertainment workers from the impacts of corporate consolidation, AI, and the offshoring of American production to countries with tax incentives. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY: The entertainment industry supports more than 680,000 jobs and contributes more than $115 billion annually to the regional economy. California has lost 40% of its production jobs since 2022, dropping from 136,000 to 82,000. Soundstage occupancy in Los Angeles has plummeted from more than 90% to just 62%. On-location filming in LA has declined for three consecutive years — down 20% in 2023, 14% in 2024, and 16.1% in 2025. Competing markets in the United Kingdom, New York, Georgia, and Ontario have more than doubled their soundstage capacity in the last five years. The Spotlight Hearing, “Lights, Camera, Competition: Promoting American Film Production,” was led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and held in Burbank, California. Witnesses included actor Noah Wyle, IATSE President Matthew Loeb, Jim Acosta, and Jax Deluca, executive director of the Future Film Coalition. Rep. Friedman represents California’s 30th Congressional District, which encompasses nearly every major film studio in Hollywood. Below: Friedman at the spotlight hearing. Image