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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.

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Entertainment And Arts

Spielberg Contributes $25,000 to Van Der Beek’s $2 Million Crowdfunding Campaign

The relatives of the deceased actor, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, have expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the $2m fund.

A donation of $25,000 (£21,000) has been made by film director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, to a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $2m (£1.6m) for the family of late actor James Van Der Beek.

James Van Der Beek wearing a maroon dickie bow while smiling for the cameras on arrival at the 2019 Emmy Awards
James Van Der Beek's character Dawson was a famous fan of filmmaker Spielberg

Van Der Beek, who passed away at the age of 48, is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children, and the crowdfunding effort to support his family has now exceeded its initial target of $2m.

Other notable donors include Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldana, who contributed $2,500 (£2,108), and director Jon M Chu, who gave $10,000 (£8,432) to the cause.

A statement from the organizers of the fundraiser, Friends of the Van Der Beek family, expressed gratitude to all contributors, stating that their support is deeply appreciated.

The statement highlighted the significance of the donations, saying that the kindness shown by contributors is beyond words.

It also noted that the outpouring of support has been a source of comfort during a difficult time, serving as a reminder of the power of love, community, and the enduring legacy of James Van Der Beek.

Van Der Beek was perhaps best known for his starring role in the popular US teen drama series Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, although he remained associated with the show until 2023.

Although Van Der Beek and Spielberg never collaborated on a project, the late actor's character in Dawson's Creek was a fan of Spielberg's work, with posters of films like ET and Schindler's List featured in his bedroom.

At a Dawson's Creek cast reunion event last year, Spielberg paid tribute to Van Der Beek by sending a video message.

In the message, Spielberg said, "Dawson, you made it," and jokingly added that he hoped to one day have a room like Dawson's, filled with memorabilia from his films.

Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday after a battle with bowel cancer.

Steven Spielberg arrives for the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA, 10 February 2026
Spielberg made a surprise video appearance at last year's Dawson's Creek reunion

He had been dealing with the diagnosis since August 2023 and publicly disclosed his condition in November 2024.

The GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family with medical expenses, which had depleted their funds.

The statement from the organizers concluded by saying that the family is currently taking time to grieve and be together, and thanked everyone for their compassionate and generous support in honoring James Van Der Beek's life.

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Zimbabwe Shocks Australia with Muzarabani’s Exceptional Performance

Zimbabwe secured a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, with Blessing Muzarabani playing a key role by taking 4-17.

In the current T20 world rankings, Zimbabwe occupies the 12th position.

The Men's T20 World Cup is underway in Group B at Colombo.

Zimbabwe's innings concluded at 169-2 after 20 overs, with Bennett scoring an unbeaten 64 off 56 deliveries, while Green claimed 1-6.

Australia's reply ended at 146 after 19.3 overs, as Renshaw top-scored with 65 off 44 balls, and Muzarabani took 4-17.

The match resulted in a 23-run victory for Zimbabwe.

A standout performance from Blessing Muzarabani, who took 4-17, helped Zimbabwe secure a thrilling 23-run win over Australia in the T20 World Cup.

After being set a target of 170, Australia found themselves in trouble at 29-4, but a 77-run partnership between Matthew Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell for the fifth wicket gave them hope.

With 34 runs needed from the last two overs, Renshaw's dismissal for 65, caught off Muzarabani with eight balls remaining, essentially sealed the game's outcome.

The result has left Group B finely balanced after two matches each, with Australia trailing Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka by two points, ahead of their meeting with Sri Lanka on Monday.

Initially, Zimbabwe's approach to batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium appeared overly cautious.

Brian Bennett's innings of 64 not out from 56 balls, including seven fours, was played at a strike rate of 114.28, as he anchored the Zimbabwean batting.

In contrast, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl adopted a more aggressive approach, scoring 35 off 21 and 30 balls, respectively.

A late surge from Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza, who scored 25 off 13 balls, including the team's only six on the final ball, provided a boost to their total.

Australia's target seemed achievable, given their total of 182-6 in their previous win against Ireland.

However, the Australian batting line-up was severely dented by the loss of key wickets, including Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Tim David, courtesy of Muzarabani and Brad Evans.

A partnership between Renshaw and Maxwell offered some respite, but when Maxwell fell for 31, dragged on to Burl, the pressure mounted on Australia.

Muzarabani's return to bowl the penultimate over proved decisive, as he removed Renshaw, and Zimbabwe subsequently wrapped up the win.

There are calls for the ICC to review the rules regarding 12th men.

For more information, including notifications and social media updates, visit BBC Sport.

A blogger who participates in the FPL is also competing in the T20 World Cup.

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FA Cup Finalists Outside the Big Six Since 2008

As the FA Cup resumes this weekend, assess your understanding of past finalists that have competed from beyond the Premier League’s top six clubs.

This weekend, the FA Cup resumes with 32 teams remaining in contention for the historic trophy, which has been awarded for 155 years and will be presented to the winner in May.

Historically, the Premier League's top six clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham – have dominated the FA Cup, claiming 32 titles out of the last 37.

However, in recent years, teams outside of this elite group have experienced some notable victories in the competition.

Since 2008, 10 teams from outside the traditional 'big six' have advanced to the FA Cup final – can you identify all of them?

For more quizzes, visit our Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes sections, where you can also subscribe to receive the latest quizzes directly on your device.

We have a quiz question tailored to each Premier League team – test your knowledge and see how you score.

Can you recall every team that has won the Women's Champions League?

Which players have made the most appearances in the Premier League – can you name them all?

Explore our Sports Quizzes page for a wide range of challenging and engaging quizzes.

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