TOM GIOVANETTI: The Free-Market Case For A Hollywood Merger As Paramount Fights Big Tech

Published: Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 3:35 am

Potential Media Merger Could Reshape Streaming Landscape

The media streaming market may be on the cusp of significant change, potentially impacting consumers. Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of numerous entertainment brands including HBO, CNN, and Warner Bros. Studios, is reportedly considering a sale. The most likely buyer is Paramount Skydance, which includes CBS and Paramount Studios.

This potential merger comes amid a streaming landscape characterized by an abundance of content, made possible by copyright protections and the development of high-speed broadband networks. While content is readily available, the proliferation of streaming services has led to a fragmented market, making it difficult for consumers to track their subscriptions. The costs of multiple subscriptions, combined with broadband expenses, can rival the cost of traditional cable.

The author argues that consolidation is needed to simplify the market and potentially reduce consumer costs. Furthermore, the author suggests that Paramount Skydance aims to address perceived biases in its media properties, potentially correcting the "leftward slant" in news and entertainment.

The author believes that the government should allow the transaction to proceed, as consolidation could benefit consumers. However, the author cautions against other potential buyers, such as Amazon, which already has a significant market share and is operating under a consent decree. The author suggests that real content companies like Paramount Skydance need to grow and acquire other properties to compete with tech companies dominating the internet economy.

BNN's Perspective:

While consolidation can bring benefits like simplified access and potentially lower costs, it's crucial to ensure that such mergers don't stifle competition or lead to a lack of diverse viewpoints. Regulators must carefully scrutinize any potential deal to balance consumer interests with the need for a healthy and competitive media landscape.

Keywords: media merger, streaming services, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Skydance, content consolidation, consumer costs, broadband, market share, Amazon, competition, media bias, entertainment industry

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