Elizabeth Warren Warns of "Higher Subscription Prices and Fewer Choices" in Response to Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has voiced strong opposition to Netflixs proposed acquisition of Warner Bros., calling it a nightmare scenario that could result in increased subscription fees and fewer options for viewers. Warren emphasized the potential consequences in a public statement, saying, A combined Netflix-Warner Bros. would form a media behemoth controlling nearly half of the streaming industry. This concentration threatens to push Americans toward higher subscription costs and limit their entertainment choices, while also endangering jobs.

Warren criticized the review process under former President Donald Trump, highlighting concerns about political bias. She stated, During the Trump administration, antitrust evaluations became susceptible to favoritism and corruption. The Justice Department must apply antitrust laws transparently and fairly, rather than allowing the Warner Bros. merger review to be influenced by political maneuvering.

Warren has also expressed skepticism about Paramount, Netflixs main competitor for Warner Bros. Discovery assets. Along with other Democrats, she has questioned Paramount CEO David Ellison regarding Trump-era approvals of mergers, including the Skydance-Paramount Global deal. These concerns echo warnings from some Republicans, such as Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), who said that the merger should raise alarms for antitrust regulators globally.

Meanwhile, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos reassured investors, stating on a Friday morning call that he is very confident in the regulatory review process and believes the merger would be beneficial for consumers, innovation, workers, and creators alike.

Author: Maya Henderson