Netflix buys Warner Bros for 72 billion

[eddymotto]

Completely opposite opinion on here vs reddit. The discussions on that toxic site are appalled that Paramount is getting WB now. Some bullshit conspiracy about how Trump will now be in charge of all media.

Me, I'm happy that Netflix will no longer ruin such great IP. The best outcome is if WB wasn't sold at all and could keep going on its own. If that can't happen though it's much better for Paramount to get it than Netflix.

Can't speak for what Redditors write but the idea that this merger is bad for the free press is not unfounded. These are basic facts since the Ellisons took over Paramount:

1. Lawsuit settled despite weak case
2. Editorial story pulled
3. Veteran journalists warning of pressure
4. Leadership chosen with clear editorial philosophy and no specific experience in role
5. Ownership engaged in politically sensitive corporate transactions

On the other hand, corporate owners often have strong political beliefs, suck up to whomever is in power, and occasionally meddle in editorial direction. It is not unusual. On specific issues like avoiding criticism of Israel, you could argue that many American media outlets have similar editorial policies.

A lot of these criticisms could be applied to other media institution too.

Paramount also wants to make money. The US cable news market consists of Fox with a near monopoly on the conservative / MAGA audience. The center and left are fragmented. Does CBS really want to compete with Fox? Or do they want to strive to maintain a centrist audience?

 

[GtehMVP]

Can't speak for what Redditors write but the idea that this merger is bad for the free press is not unfounded. These are basic facts since the Ellisons took over Paramount:

1. Lawsuit settled despite weak case
2. Editorial story pulled
3. Veteran journalists warning of pressure
4. Leadership chosen with clear editorial philosophy and no specific experience in role
5. Ownership engaged in politically sensitive corporate transactions

On the other hand, corporate owners often have strong political beliefs, suck up to whomever is in power, and occasionally meddle in editorial direction. It is not unusual. On specific issues like avoiding criticism of Israel, you could argue that many American media outlets have similar editorial policies.

A lot of these criticisms could be applied to other media institution too.

Paramount also wants to make money. The US cable news market consists of Fox with a near monopoly on the conservative / MAGA audience. The center and left are fragmented. Does CBS really want to compete with Fox? Or do they want to strive to maintain a centrist audience?

Let's hope they target that centrist audience, that's where the money is, so long as the series/film/game is well written/entertaining enough.

No one wants another Fox in the news realm either. Imagine a centrist CNN, could actually be watchable lol. For anyone who watches, how have they handled CBS news? That should be a good indicator for CNN's future under David Ellison.

What I find encouraging is that after South Park signed that monster deal with new Paramount, they proceeded to go after Trump relentlessly (like it or not) without any repercussions, as it should be.

 

[Vatoloco]

For anyone who watches, how have they handled CBS news?

I haven't watched it but, from what twitter and reddit says, it's absolutely horrible because it is run by Bari Weiss who is Jewish.

 

[eddymotto]

Let's hope they target that centrist audience, that's where the money is, so long as the series/film/game is well written/entertaining enough.

No one wants another Fox in the news realm either. Imagine a centrist CNN, could actually be watchable lol. For anyone who watches, how have they handled CBS news? That should be a good indicator for CNN's future under David Ellison.

What I find encouraging is that after South Park signed that monster deal with new Paramount, they proceeded to go after Trump relentlessly (like it or not) without any repercussions, as it should be.

Fair point re South Park.

What is hanging over the news properties is the secular decline in cable viewership. None of the traditional cable news properties have figured out how to move their audience from cable to other distribution channels profitably.

 

[MLarson]

Agreed. For consumers, WBD proceeding with splitting the studio and cable businesses felt like best outcome

Make cable great again.