Even markets realize how hard this will be to get regulatory approval.
The breakup fee, whatever that means, is $5.8b.
Then CNBC interviewed Lightshed co-founder Rich Greenfield, who was seen donning this jacket.
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It means if the deal doesnât go through for any reason, regulatory or otherwise, Netflix owes $5.8bn to WBD.
Netflix isnât going to buy CNN or any of the linear networks. Just the studio and HBO Max. If Paramount really wants the channels, they can still get them.
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I could see them hold onto CNN. Theyâve slowly been expanding into live programming, and CNN could serve them well. They could keep the studio, its library, and the live bits, sell the rest off.
I guess weâll find out when the deal is finalised but I canât see them holding onto CNN. Netflixâs live strategy has always been around event viewing. Theyâve never shown any interest in actual linear content streams and seem to have little interest in news content anymore.
When the Dems get in next year expect huge delays with investigations into monopolies etc.
Good. Looking forward to the chaos.
Itâs like we need a repeat of when the studios had to sell off the cinemas.
You have to be kidding me. A higher offer was declined.
If that doesnât speak to how questionable the process is, I donât know what does.
Could be a planted story to ruffle some feathers. Nobody else is picking up on it.
Apparently it was also reported by Wall Street Journal. Make of that what you will.
Ellison might want to get the Paramount AU AFL rights bidding crew on the line so they can share notes on what itâs like to get outbid
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True enough, though Iâm not sure the Ellisons would be so keen to just buy the linear networks. At least I bloody hope not! Time will tell, I guess.
Sorry you couldnât see the reply sign. What we were referring to was the Paramount offer.
CNBC picked it up, relayed by WSJ. Reuters have the $30 detail but then also go âWe couldnât verify independentlyâ.
The BBC article doesnât have that.
No need to get snotty with me.
That wasnât intended to be a swipe. My apologies that you took it that way.
Back to the topic at hand, if Ellison wants to buy the linear nets, I think heâs gonna merge that too.
Like CNN and CBS News, or TNT Sports and CBSSN. Technically called âbusiness restructuringâ.
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Netflix has just made its conference call with investors about the WBD takeover. Hereâs a roundup:
- Netflix will continue theatrical releases for films produced by both Netflix and Warner Bros.
- Netflix will keep HBO and HBO Max separately (maybe at least in a first stage) and plans to bundle both platforms, while also periodically adding WB/HBO content to Netflix
- Netflix plans to invest in content for, and separately manage both brands
- Netflix will continue to invest in content with third party studios, and WBTV will continue to produce for third parties in the near future
Hereâs the conference call presentation and transcript.
The political ramifications and criticism have also started: not only from Republicans, but also various Democrats have opposed this merger, and and analysts suggest the European Commission lawmakers would likely approve the takeover with strict conditions. Industry members have also had a mixed reception to the acquisition, with indie studios lamenting a âdeath of Hollywoodâ.
Staff at both companies have been asked to âchill outâ after the shocking news.
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Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery said earlier that the latterâs Global Networks Division will be separated into a new publicly-traded company, which is expected to be completed in Q3 of 2026.
It will include cable networks such as CNN, Discovery Channel, TNT, HGTV, Animal Planet, Food Network, Investigation Discovery, TLC, TruTV, and Cartoon Network as well as Warner Bros. International Television Production, which will ostensibly become the in-house production arm of this group.
Notably for Australia, seems like business as usual for WBITP Australia which has been very busy recently producing shows across all the networks.
The article also notes Paramount was the only bidder interested in buying WBD whole, cable networks and all.
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WBD rejecting an offer which likely in their view undervalues the value of the Global Networks component of the split company is completely understandable.
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Do we think this means the Harry Potter series will now launch on Netflix in 2027?
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