Netflix is set to make a massive move in the entertainment industry by buying Warner Bros. and HBO for a staggering $72 billion. The deal could potentially shift the landscape of Hollywood, with antitrust regulators scrutinizing its impact on competition and consumer prices. The combined entity would have significant market share, surpassing the 30% benchmark set by US regulators.
Hollywood is facing uncertainty due to changing consumer behavior, fueled by growth in tech rivals like YouTube and TikTok. A merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. could create more opportunities for content production, but antitrust concerns remain high. Regulators will examine whether the deal would increase Netflix’s power over creators, distribution, and consumers.
The acquisition would also raise concerns about jobs, as Hollywood’s unions fear it would exacerbate trends that have reduced employment in the industry. Worker advocates argue that a merger of this nature is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent, potentially leading to higher prices, reduced content diversity, and worsened working conditions for entertainment workers.
As the deal progresses, politics may play a role, with the Trump administration reportedly viewing it with skepticism. The Justice Department has not responded to requests for comment, but Paramount’s bid faces fewer regulatory hurdles, which could be an attractive option for Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/06/media/netflix-warner-bros-antitrust