Warner Bros. Discovery is reorganizing itself into two separate companies amid a power struggle between its CEO David Zaslav and CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels. The move will see Streaming & Studios, led by Zaslav, focus on film and TV production, while Global Networks, led by Wiedenfels, takes over the company’s cable channels and news divisions.
The reorganization comes as Zaslav faces mounting criticism for his handling of various assets, including HBO Max. The streaming service is expected to lose some of its value due to the removal of certain TV networks that contribute to its viewership.
Zaslav’s leadership has been questioned by many, particularly in the sports and news departments. He made a contentious deal with the NBA, which led to the loss of domestic broadcast rights for TNT Sports. The move also affects CNN, which is now part of Global Networks.
The reorganization is not without precedent. Other major entertainment companies have undergone similar splits, such as Paramount’s recent shutdown of its in-house TV studio and Comcast’s spin-off of its traditional TV assets into a separate firm.
As the dust settles on this latest media megamerger, it remains to be seen how effective Zaslav will be in leading Streaming & Studios forward. With his track record of making questionable decisions, it is uncertain whether he will be able to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry without further controversy.
In the end, one thing is clear: Warner Bros. Discovery’s future hangs in the balance, and it will be crucial to see how Zaslav and Wiedenfels work together – or apart – to shape the company’s direction.
Source: https://slate.com/technology/2025/06/warner-bros-discovery-split-david-zaslav-american-culture-crisis.html