President warns of rising market dominance
US President Donald Trump raises doubts about Netflix’s planned 72bn-dollar purchase of Warner Brothers Discovery. He tells an audience in Washington that Netflix already controls a large share of the streaming market. He warns that the merger could tighten competition in a way that harms rivals. Both companies announce on Friday that they reached an agreement to bring major Warner franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones to Netflix. The deal still needs approval from competition regulators. Requests for comment to both firms and the White House remain unanswered.
Netflix aims to secure its global lead
Netflix grows from a DVD-by-mail service in 1997 into the world’s leading subscription platform. The planned takeover ranks among the industry’s biggest moves in years. It would further strengthen Netflix’s dominant position. Under the deal, franchises like Looney Tunes, The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings would shift to Netflix. Both companies expect completion after a planned Warner Bros business split in the second half of 2026.
Regulators examine potential concerns
The US Justice Department’s competition unit may argue that the merger breaches antitrust rules if the new company controls too much of the streaming sector. Trump says at the Kennedy Center that Netflix holds a high market share and that the figure would rise sharply if the deal proceeds. He adds that he will involve himself personally in the approval process.
Trump praises Netflix chief despite concerns
Trump notes that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently visited the Oval Office and praises his leadership. He calls Sarandos a respected figure who delivered remarkable success. Sarandos says the deal surprised some investors but offers a long-term strategic opportunity.
Industry experts highlight structural differences
Media executive Blair Westlake says in a radio interview that the key issue involves combining Netflix with the HBO streaming business. He explains that Netflix does not produce content at the same scale as Warner’s studios and holds a smaller library. Westlake expects regulators to approve the merger but anticipates certain conditions.
White House could shape the review
Bill Kovacic, a former head of the Federal Trade Commission, says Trump’s remarks suggest a strong White House influence on the process. He notes that this could create an unusual level of presidential involvement in a review that previously relied mainly on technical analysis.
Netflix outbids major rivals
Netflix beats competitors such as Comcast and Paramount Skydance to secure the agreement with Warner Bros. Paramount Skydance previously tried to buy the entire company, including its cable networks. Warner Bros rejects the offer and opens itself to new bids. David Ellison of Paramount Skydance receives backing from his father Larry Ellison, a close ally of Trump.
Writers’ unions push to block the merger
The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches urge regulators to halt the deal. They argue that the world’s largest streaming platform absorbing one of its biggest rivals violates the purpose of antitrust laws. They warn that the merger would cut jobs, lower wages, worsen working conditions, raise consumer prices and reduce the volume and diversity of content available to audiences.
