A new media titan? Netflix’s Warner move sparks concern

December 08, 2025 (MLN):  Netflix’s proposed $72bn (£54bn) takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery has sparked fresh scrutiny, positioning the streaming giant for one of the biggest media mergers in years.

US President Donald Trump, speaking at an event in Washington DC on Sunday, warned that Netflix already has a “very big market share” and said its dominance would “go up by a lot” if the deal goes ahead, as reported by BBC news.

He added that he expects to be personally involved in the decision on whether the merger receives approval.

As established on Friday, the agreement would bring major entertainment franchises  including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Looney Tunes, The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings under Netflix’s control, further cementing its position as the world’s leading streaming service.

According to Netflix, the company believes the takeover would combine complementary strengths pairing Warner Bros.’ world-class studios and HBO’s premium programming with Netflix’s global platform to offer consumers more choice, better value and a significantly expanded library.

Netflix says it intends to maintain Warner Bros.’ operations, including theatrical film releases, while boosting its own production capacity and long-term investment in original content, which it argues would strengthen the wider entertainment industry and create new opportunities for creators to work with major franchises and reach broader audiences.

The US Justice Department’s antitrust division is expected to examine the deal, which could be challenged if regulators conclude that the combined company would command too much of the streaming market.

Netflix, which began in 1997 as a postal DVD rental service, has grown into a global entertainment powerhouse. Co-chief executive Ted Sarandos, who recently visited the White House, has called the agreement a long-term strategic opportunity, saying it positions the company for success “in the decades to come”.

The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches have urged regulators to block the merger, warning it would eliminate jobs, push down wages, raise consumer prices and reduce the diversity of available content.

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