Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Dec 8: US President Donald Trump has raised concerns over Netflix’s proposed $72 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, saying the combined company’s market share “could be a problem” and indicating he would be involved in the review process.
Speaking to reporters as he arrived for the Kennedy Center Honors on December 7, Trump said he had recently met Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. While he did not reveal whether he supported the acquisition, he acknowledged Sarandos as “a great guy” and pointed to Netflix’s already dominant presence in the streaming market.
“Netflix has a very big market share — and when they have Warner Brothers, that share goes up a lot,” Trump remarked. “That’s going to be for some economists to tell… but it is a big market share. No question it could be a problem.”
Netflix announced the mammoth deal on December 5, securing exclusive rights to Warner Bros. Discovery’s storied TV and film studios and its streaming division. The streaming giant outbid rivals after a heated bidding war, offering nearly $28 a share, surpassing Paramount Skydance’s $24-a-share offer.
However, political opposition has mounted swiftly. Lawmakers from both parties have warned that the merger could significantly reduce consumer choice and create an overpowering media conglomerate.
Republican Senator Mike Lee, who heads the Senate antitrust subcommittee, said the deal “should send alarm to antitrust enforcers around the world.”
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren also slammed the proposal, calling it “an anti-monopoly nightmare”.
“A Netflix–Warner Bros. giant would control close to half the streaming market — forcing Americans into higher prices and fewer choices,” she said.
Netflix, defending the acquisition, claimed the merger would expand opportunities for workers and give its 300 million global subscribers “more value for their money.” But experts say the deal — which would effectively eliminate competition between Netflix and HBO Max — is certain to face intense scrutiny from the US Justice Department.
The merger, if approved, would reshape the global entertainment landscape and place some of Hollywood’s most iconic assets under Netflix’s control.