EXCLUSIVE — Paramount could settle with states over Warner Bros. as soon as this weekend, sources say

(Adds context in paragraphs 7-14) By Jody Godoy Sept 18 (Reuters) — Paramount and states seeking to block its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. could settle as soon as this weekend, with independent content monitoring of CNN among the terms under discussion, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. A commitment on the number of theatrical releases is also among the terms being discussed as part of a settlement, the sources said. Paramount's shares rose nearly 7% after markets closed. Warner Bros. Discovery shares were up 8.4% in after-market trading. The case brought by California and 11 other states is one of the final hurdles to Paramount's bid to become a major rival of Netflix and Disney. A settlement this week could help Paramount avoid paying millions of dollars in fees to Warner Bros. shareholders. A spokesperson for the California Department of Justice said potential settlement talks are confidential. "We cannot confirm or deny whether settlement talks are occurring or their alleged substance," the spokesperson said. Paramount declined to comment. Paramount CEO David Ellison has staked his company's future on what he sees as a necessary bid to consoli