Connect with us

News

Netflix and Warner Bros struggle to defend merger

A subcommittee voiced concerns regarding possible increases in prices and the potential impact on the future of movie theaters.

Lawmakers expressed skepticism about Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, valued at $82bn (£61bn), and its potential impact on consumers, workers, and the entertainment industry as a whole.

Two men wearing suits raise their right hands as they are sworn in for a Senate hearing in a courtroom
Ted Sarandos, chief executive officer of Netflix, and Bruce Campbell, chief revenue and strategy officer at Warner Bros Discovery, are sworn in during a Senate hearing

During a Tuesday hearing, the US Senate antitrust subcommittee, comprising both Democratic and Republican members, voiced concerns regarding the potential consequences of the merger, including decreased competition, higher prices, and the fate of cinemas.

The acquisition, currently under review by the Department of Justice, would grant Netflix control over Warner Bros' film and television studios, as well as the HBO Max streaming service, significantly expanding its reach in the entertainment industry.

Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance continues to promote its rival bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, presenting an alternative to Netflix's proposal.

The hearing highlighted bipartisan opposition to the merger, although the ultimate decision to approve or block the deal rests with the Department of Justice.

Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos faced questioning from senators regarding the potential impact of the merger on theaters, subscription prices, and the entertainment workforce, should the deal be approved.

Sarandos assured lawmakers that Netflix would maintain the current 45-day theatrical release window for Warner Bros films and operate the studio with minimal changes, following the acquisition.

He argued that the combined entity would provide consumers with more content at a lower cost, citing the fact that 80% of HBO Max subscribers also have Netflix accounts, highlighting the potential benefits of the merger.

Sarandos also claimed that the acquisition would lead to the creation of more jobs in the United States, a key consideration in the regulatory review process.

However, Republican Senator Mike Lee cautioned that consolidating two major employers in the same market could have a negative impact on competition for labor, potentially weakening the job market.

While several Republican Senators focused on competition concerns, others addressed the ongoing debate surrounding cultural issues in the entertainment industry.

Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican, criticized Netflix's content, characterizing it as predominantly aligned with progressive values.

Notably absent from the hearing was David Ellison, the chief executive of Paramount, which is still pursuing an acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery despite previous rejections.

Paramount, backed by the billionaire Ellison family, has proposed a $108bn deal, which it claims is superior to Netflix's offer, and has argued that its bid is more competitive.

Critics have raised concerns that either merger proposal would concentrate too much power in the hands of a single company, potentially harming the entertainment industry and consumers.

Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat, expressed frustration at David Ellison's absence from the hearing, stating that he had declined an invitation to testify.

Booker warned that either merger would result in a single corporation exerting increased control over the media landscape, influencing what content is produced and consumed.

In an effort to outbid rival Paramount, Netflix recently revised its offer, agreeing to pay the full amount in cash, rather than a combination of cash and shares.

The subcommittee also examined the competitive relationship between Netflix and Alphabet's YouTube, considering whether the latter is a significant rival in the streaming market.

Sarandos emphasized that Netflix and YouTube compete for the same content, viewers, and advertising revenue, highlighting the intensity of the competition between the two platforms.

He noted that YouTube has evolved beyond user-generated content, now offering a wide range of programming, comparable to traditional television.

However, some lawmakers, including Senator Lee, remain unconvinced by these claims, arguing that YouTube should not be considered a direct competitor to Netflix, a view also shared by Paramount.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Prince Andrew’s BBC Interview Contrasted with New Insights from Epstein Emails

The Epstein files’ recent release has led to renewed examination of statements made by Prince Andrew in 2019.

The recent release of the Epstein files has prompted a re-examination of statements made by Prince Andrew during a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, which may now be subject to renewed scrutiny.

A review of the interview by BBC journalists Sean Coughlan and Sarah Campbell has been conducted, comparing Prince Andrew's responses with emails allegedly exchanged by the prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under increasing pressure from US authorities and the family of Virginia Giuffre, who has made prominent allegations against him, to provide testimony in the US regarding his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted financier, was found guilty in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor and took his own life in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.

Continue Reading

News

Serie A to air on BBC with live coverage of Scottish matches

A new multi-game rights deal has enabled the BBC to broadcast live coverage of matches featuring several Scotland internationals, including Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Che Adams, Lennon Miller, Kieron Bowie, and Josh Doig, starting this Sunday.

A number of Scottish players, including Che Adams, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lennon Miller, and Lewis Ferguson, are currently competing in Italy's top division, Serie A.

The upcoming Serie A match between Torino and Bologna will be a notable fixture, featuring several Scottish players.

The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15 February, with a kick-off time of 17:00 GMT, at a venue that will be announced.

Fans can catch the live coverage of the match on BBC Alba, starting from 16:50.

A growing list of Scottish players, including Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Che Adams, Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, and Kieron Bowie, are making a name for themselves in Serie A.

With a record number of Scots playing in Italy's top flight, the BBC is now providing live coverage of their matches, allowing fans to follow their favorite players.

As part of a new package, the BBC will broadcast eight live Serie A matches, showcasing the talents of Scottish players as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

The first match to be broadcast on BBC Alba will be the encounter between Torino, featuring striker Che Adams, and Bologna, featuring midfielder Lewis Ferguson, on Sunday, with a 17:00 GMT kick-off.

Bologna will be looking to bounce back from five consecutive domestic defeats, despite recent impressive results in the Europa League and against Celtic.

During their recent run, Bologna drew 2-2 with Celtic and secured a 3-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League.

Torino, on the other hand, has only managed one win in their last five outings but will be seeking to build on their recent 2-2 draw against Fiorentina.

Scotland's Nations League campaign is set to begin in Slovenia.

Clarke has confirmed that Barnes will not be making a switch to Scotland.

Scotland is scheduled to face Switzerland in the Nations League.

Future BBC Alba broadcasts will feature matches involving Napoli's Scottish duo, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, who is nearing a return from injury, as well as Lennon Miller's Udinese, Josh Doig's Sassuolo, and Kieron Bowie's Hellas Verona.

The number of Scottish players in Serie A has reached a record high, with the likes of Liam Henderson, who has played for several Italian clubs, now competing in Serie B.

Further details of the Serie A matches to be broadcast on BBC Alba will be announced in the coming weeks.

Margaret Cameron, director of content at BBC Alba, expressed her excitement about the opportunity for Scottish fans to watch their favorite players in action, free-to-air, ahead of the World Cup.

Presenter Alex O'Henley is looking forward to hosting the coverage of what he describes as a "golden era" for Scottish players in Italy.

With the World Cup approaching, O'Henley believes it's an exciting time for Scottish fans to follow the fortunes of their players in Italy.

Kieron Bowie made his debut for Verona against Pisa.

Che Adams, who was born in Leicester, has established himself as a key player for Scotland, earning 45 caps and scoring 11 goals since switching allegiances in 2021.

This season, Adams has scored six goals in 26 appearances for Torino, who currently sit 13th in the Serie A table.

Kieron Bowie, who began his career with Raith Rovers, has risen to prominence with Hibernian, scoring nine goals in 30 appearances before joining Hellas Verona in January.

Bowie made his debut for Verona in a 0-0 draw against Pisa, earning his first start for the club.

Josh Doig, who started his career with Hibernian, has become a regular player in Serie A, first with Verona and now with Sassuolo, earning one cap for Scotland.

Doig has made 24 appearances, including 20 starts, for Sassuolo this season.

Lewis Ferguson, who began his career with Hamilton Academical, has become a key player for Bologna, earning 21 caps for Scotland and leading his team to a Coppa Italia final win over AC Milan.

Ferguson has made 29 appearances, including 21 starts, for Bologna this season, helping the team to eighth place in the table.

Billy Gilmour, who started his career with Rangers, has played for several clubs, including Chelsea and Norwich City, before joining Napoli in 2024, where he won his first league title.

Gilmour has been limited to 12 appearances, including six starts, this season due to injury, but is nearing a return to action.

Scott McTominay, who came through Manchester United's youth ranks, has become a key player for Napoli, earning 67 caps for Scotland and scoring 14 goals, including a notable overhead kick against Denmark.

McTominay has made 34 appearances for Napoli this season, scoring 10 goals and helping the team to a strong position in the table.

Lennon Miller, who began his career with Motherwell, has made a promising start to his career, earning four caps for Scotland and joining Udinese in August.

Miller has made 14 appearances, including six starts, for Udinese this season.

Fans can stay up-to-date with their favorite clubs through BBC Sport.

Continue Reading

News

GB men’s curling team suffers upset defeat to Italy

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Great Britain’s men’s curling team mounted a comeback against Italy following a disappointing beginning, ultimately falling short in their inaugural match.

Despite a valiant comeback, Team GB ultimately fell short as Italy held their composure to secure the win in the final end.

A dismal start to the match proved costly for Team GB's men, as they suffered their first defeat of the Winter Olympics at the hands of host nation Italy, despite a spirited fightback in the packed Cortina Curling Stadium.

Following victories in their first two matches, including a win over the Swedish rink that beat them in the gold-medal match four years ago, Team GB entered their second high-profile encounter in as many days in a confident position.

However, a disastrous opening end, in which Italy stole four points, left Team GB trailing and facing an uphill battle in front of a boisterous home crowd.

The British team, currently ranked number one in the world, gradually regained their footing and managed to level the score by the ninth end.

Ultimately, Italy maintained their composure in the final end to emerge victorious, winning 9-7 and adding Team GB to their list of scalps, which already included the Swedes.

"We had to dig deep and play some solid curling, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get us over the line," Team GB lead Hammy McMillan said in an interview with BBC Sport.

With seven wins from nine round-robin matches guaranteeing a spot in the semi-finals, Team GB remains in a strong position, although fewer wins may still be sufficient to advance.

The women's team is set to take to the ice next, facing South Korea in their second match at 13:05 GMT, while the men will return to action on Saturday against the Czech Republic at the same time.

Team GB is at the forefront of curling's technological advancements.

Embracing what sets you apart can be a powerful asset, according to some athletes.

A daily guide to the Winter Olympics is available for those looking to stay up-to-date with the action.

The looks of shock on the faces of Team GB's curlers told the story of a disastrous opening end.

With a stone in play, Mouat attempted a risky shot in an effort to claim two points, but it backfired, resulting in none of Team GB's stones in the house and four Italian stones in position.

However, the Scottish quartet, ranked number one in the world, quickly regained their composure and got back to their game.

The teams exchanged singles before a impressive final throw by Mouat, aided by a measurement to determine which stone was closest to the button, allowed Team GB to claim two points and narrow the gap to 5-3.

Another excellent team effort, which included a well-judged throw by Mouat, a solid sweep by Hammy McMillan and Bobby Lammie, and Grant Hardie's strategic expertise, forced Italy to concede a point in the fourth end, reducing the deficit to a single point at the break.

Italy blanked the sixth end and added two points in the seventh to rebuild their lead, but Team GB fought back with two points of their own, remarkably levelling the score with one end remaining after a steal.

The match came down to the final end, but Italy held their nerve to secure the win, prompting a deafening roar from the crowd.

"It's an incredible experience, and we need to get used to it," McMillan added, describing the electric atmosphere as "surreal" and "cool," more akin to a football match than a typical curling crowd.

Continue Reading

Trending