Senators Grill Netflix's Ted Sarandos Over $82.7B Warner Bros. Deal
Senators pressed Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos on 'woke' content, a sworn 45-day theatrical window and the $82.7 billion Warner Bros. Discovery offer.
Overview
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos testified before the Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee and pledged under oath to a 45-day theatrical window while defending Netflix's $82.7 billion offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), chair of the subcommittee, said the transaction 'raises serious antitrust concerns' that could prompt review or litigation by the Justice Department Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission.
Ted Sarandos said 'We have no political agenda of any kind' and testified he met with President Donald Trump on Nov. 24, a meeting that Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) questioned as potentially affecting the regulatory review.
The deal, valued at $82.7 billion, would combine the leading global subscription streamer with HBO Max and drew warnings from anti-monopoly groups and economists that it could raise consumer prices and consolidate market power, according to filings and experts.
The Justice Department and the FTC are expected to scrutinize the merger, state attorneys general could file lawsuits, and Netflix said it would challenge any DOJ suit in court, according to testimony and company statements.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources portray the Netflix–Warner hearing as partisan theater, emphasizing GOP attacks and loaded language while minimizing regulatory nuance and pro-merger arguments. Editorial choices — selective sourcing (partisan think-tank reports), pejorative verbs, and highlighted confrontational quotes — frame the story as political spectacle rather than a neutral antitrust review.
Sources (4)
FAQ
Netflix's offer is valued at $27.75 per share in a cash-and-stock deal for Warner Bros. Discovery's film and television studios and HBO Max streaming platform.[1]
Senators, led by Sen. Mike Lee, expressed serious antitrust concerns about the deal potentially leading to Justice Department and FTC review or litigation, market consolidation, higher consumer prices, and reduced competition.[Story]
Ted Sarandos pledged under oath to maintain a 45-day theatrical window for films.[Story]
Paramount announced an all-cash tender offer of $30.00 per share for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, including cable assets like CNN, positioning it as a 'superior' offer compared to Netflix's $27.75 per share for studios and streaming only.[1]
Experts warn the Netflix-WBD merger could raise prices, reduce output or quality, limit innovation, decrease consumer choice, create monopsony power, and allow stronger leverage over theaters, triggering DOJ scrutiny under Clayton Act Section 7.
History
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