Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Names and Leadership Teams for Post-Split Entities

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Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Post-Split Company Names, Executive Leadership Teams - Variety

Introduction

In a major announcement, Warner Bros. Discovery has revealed the post-split names and executive leadership teams for its two new entities. The media giant is set to separate into two separate companies, with one focusing on Warner Bros. entertainment and the other on Discovery's non-fiction and international assets.

Corporate Names and Leadership Appointments

Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to name the two companies Warner Bros. Entertainment and Discovery Inc. Each entity will have its own distinct leadership team, with David Zaslav, current CEO of Discovery, serving as the CEO of the new Discovery Inc. Meanwhile, Ann Sarnoff, current chair and CEO of Warner Bros., will continue in her role at the newly named Warner Bros. Entertainment.

What This Means for the Industry

The separation of Warner Bros. Discovery into two distinct companies is expected to have a major impact on the media and entertainment industry. With the rise of streaming services, this move allows each company to focus on their respective strengths and better compete in the ever-evolving landscape. It also sets the stage for potential collaborations and partnerships between the two companies, as they continue to navigate the changing media landscape.

About the People Mentioned

David Zaslav

David Zaslav is an American media executive currently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery, one of the world's largest and most diverse media and entertainment companies. He led the landmark merger between AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Discovery in April 2022, creating a global media powerhouse that includes brands such as Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO and HBO Max, CNN, TNT Sports, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, and discovery+ among others[1][3][6]. Zaslav joined Discovery in 2006 as CEO and transformed the company from a cable network operator into a leading content and direct-to-consumer media company. Under his leadership, Discovery expanded its portfolio by launching new networks like Investigation Discovery and Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), acquiring Scripps Networks Interactive in 2018, and launching the streaming service discovery+. He also guided Discovery to become a Fortune 500 company and significantly increased its global reach, with billions of monthly video views and expanded international distribution[2][4]. Before Discovery, Zaslav had a distinguished career at NBCUniversal starting in 1989, where he helped develop and launch CNBC and played a key role in creating MSNBC. He also managed content distribution and cable carriage negotiations for multiple NBCUniversal networks. Prior to his media career, he worked as an attorney in New York[2][3]. Zaslav serves on several boards, including American Cinematheque, Sirius XM Radio, Grupo Televisa, and the Paley Center for Media. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at Syracuse University and involved with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Television Academy. His leadership continues to influence the evolving media landscape, particularly in streaming and global content distribution[1][3][4][6].

About the Organizations Mentioned

Warner Bros. Discovery

**Warner Bros. Discovery** is a leading American media and entertainment conglomerate formed on April 8, 2022, through the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. The company is headquartered in New York City and Los Angeles, with a diverse portfolio of assets including film and television studios, streaming services, and cable networks such as HBO, CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures, and the Discovery Channel[1][3]. **History**: The roots of Warner Bros. Discovery trace back to 1903 when the Warner brothers began their journey in the film business as traveling exhibitors. Warner Bros. was officially incorporated on April 4, 1923[4][6]. Over the years, the company evolved through various mergers and acquisitions, becoming a major player in the entertainment industry. In 1990, Warner Communications merged with Time Inc. to form Time Warner, which later became WarnerMedia after AT&T's acquisition in 2018[3]. **Key Achievements**: Warner Bros. Discovery has achieved significant milestones, including the production of iconic films and television shows. The company has been at the forefront of innovation, with early adoption of sound technology and later expanding into digital platforms like streaming services. Notably, Warner Bros. is celebrating its centennial in 2023, marking 100 years of storytelling[2][6]. **Current Status**: As of 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery is led by CEO David Zaslav and operates under the ticker symbol WBD. The company has a market cap of approximately $50.33 billion and annual revenues of $38.44 billion[3]. Recent developments include plans to separate into two distinct media companies, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and strategic focus[8]. **Notable Aspects**: Warner Bros. Discovery is known for its rich legacy in film and television, with brands like DC Comics and HBO. The company continues to innovate through its streaming platforms and content creation, making it a significant player in the

Discovery Inc

## Overview Discovery Inc. was a leading American multinational mass media company specializing in factual and lifestyle television content, best known for globally recognized brands such as Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, and TLC[3]. The company catered to passionate audiences by delivering informative, entertaining, and educational programming, eventually expanding into digital streaming and international markets[3]. ## History Discovery Inc. traces its origins to 1982, when founder John Hendricks established Cable Educational Network, Inc.[1][7]. The flagship Discovery Channel launched in 1985 with just 156,000 subscribers, quickly growing as cable operators invested and subscriber numbers soared[1]. In 1991, the company acquired The Learning Channel (TLC), rebranding itself as Discovery Communications[1][7]. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Discovery aggressively expanded, launching international channels (Discovery Channel Europe in 1989), acquiring networks (Animal Planet in 1998), and entering new markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East[1]. The company also diversified into retail, home videos, and digital content, including an early foray into web-based news in 1995[1]. ## Key Achievements Discovery Inc. became synonymous with science, nature, and lifestyle programming, pioneering iconic series and events like Shark Week[5]. The company’s portfolio grew to include over a dozen major networks, reaching hundreds of millions of households worldwide[3]. In 2018, Discovery acquired Scripps Networks Interactive, adding Food Network, HGTV, and Travel Channel to its suite, further solidifying its position as a leader in unscripted entertainment[3]. Discovery also made strategic investments in sports broadcasting, taking a majority stake in Eurosport by 2014[2]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects In 2022, Discovery Inc. merged with WarnerMedia (spun off from AT&T) to form Warner Bros. Discovery,

Warner Bros

**Warner Bros. Overview** Warner Bros. is a legendary media and entertainment conglomerate that has been a cornerstone of the global entertainment industry for nearly a century. As part of Warner Bros. Discovery, it operates alongside other iconic brands such as HBO, Discovery, and DC Studios. **History and Evolution** Founded in 1903 by four brothers—Harry, Albert, Samuel, and Jack Warner—Warner Bros. began as a small film distributor. It grew into a major studio, pioneering sound in films with the 1927 release of "The Jazz Singer." Over the years, Warner Bros. expanded into television production, home video, and digital media, becoming one of the largest and most influential entertainment companies worldwide. **Key Achievements** - **Iconic Films and TV Shows**: Warner Bros. has produced countless classics, including "Casablanca," "The Wizard of Oz," "Harry Potter," and "Friends." - **Innovative Technologies**: The company has been at the forefront of technological advancements, from introducing sound in movies to developing streaming platforms like HBO Max. - **Global Reach**: Warner Bros. operates globally, with its content available in numerous languages and territories. **Current Status** Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company, is undergoing significant restructuring. It plans to separate into two distinct entities: **Streaming & Studios** (comprising Warner Bros. Television, Motion Picture Group, HBO, and HBO Max) and **Global Networks** (encompassing entertainment, sports, and news networks like CNN and Discovery+). This move aims to focus on high-growth areas like streaming while optimizing its legacy network businesses[1][2]. **Notable Aspects** - **Diverse Portfolio**: Warner Bros. boasts a diverse portfolio of brands, including DC Comics, Cartoon Network, and Warner Bros. Games. - **Innovation and Expansion**: The company continues to innovate with new technologies and content offerings, such as its international sports offerings and digital

Discovery

**Discovery: A Pioneering Media and Entertainment Conglomerate** Discovery, Inc., now part of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., is a leading global media and entertainment company with a rich history dating back to 1982. Founded by John Hendricks as Cable Educational Network, Inc., the company's flagship brand, **Discovery Channel**, debuted in 1985 with a focus on educational and documentary content[1][5]. Over the years, Discovery expanded its portfolio by acquiring and launching various networks, including **Animal Planet**, **TLC**, and **Science Channel**, and later added **Food Network**, **HGTV**, and **Travel Channel** through its acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive in 2018[3][5]. **Key Achievements and History:** - **Early Expansion**: By 1986, Discovery had attracted millions of subscribers, and by 1989, it launched Discovery Channel Europe[1]. - **Digital Innovation**: In the 1990s, Discovery began marketing CD-ROMs and launched a $10 million website in 1995[1]. - **Strategic Acquisitions**: Notable acquisitions include The Learning Channel in 1991 and the Travel Channel in 1997[1][5]. - **Recent Developments**: In 2022, Discovery merged with WarnerMedia to form **Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.**, significantly expanding its global reach and content offerings[4][6]. **Current Status and Notable Aspects:** - **Global Reach**: Today, Warner Bros. Discovery operates a vast array of brands, including **HBO**, **CNN**, and **TBS**, alongside its legacy Discovery brands[4][6]. - **Streaming Services**: The company has placed a strong focus on streaming platforms, such as HBO Max and Discovery+, to cater to evolving audience preferences[6]. - **Innovation**: Warner Bros. Discovery continues to invest in technological innovations, such as 3D television and digital

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