Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. studio and streaming business for $72 billion
ABC7 ChicagoDEC 6
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros., HBO for $82.7 Billion
Does this deal threaten cinema and consolidate dangerous power, or unite pioneers to deliver unprecedented value for audiences?
Above: The logos of Netflix and Warner Bros. Image credit: Didem Mente/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This acquisition combines two pioneering entertainment companies to deliver unprecedented value and choice for global audiences. By uniting Warner Bros.' century-long legacy with Netflix's innovation, the deal strengthens the entertainment industry through expanded production capacity, job creation and enhanced opportunities for talent. The merger positions the combined entity to dominate the AI-driven future of entertainment while maintaining theatrical operations.
Narrative B
Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. would be a devastating blow to theatrical cinema and creative freedom. In addition, the deal consolidates dangerous monopolistic power, threatening higher prices and fewer choices for consumers, while creating a cesspool of political favoritism under a corrupt antitrust review. This anti-monopolists' nightmare puts American workers at risk and could mark the death of Hollywood as independent filmmakers flee and theatrical windows shrink.
Conservative narrative
If this deal goes through, the U.S. can expect more woke, anti-American content that will continue to indoctrinate viewers. Conservatives for too long abandoned the entertainment industry, leaving an opening for a company like this to dominate. The Trump administration must stop this transaction.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 50% chance that an original, wholly AI-generated feature film will rank No. 1 on a popular streaming service by October 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Public Figures
Go Deeper
Political split
LEFT
RIGHT
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0