Warner Bros Netflix Merger Threatens Theaters and Industry Stability

## Overview Warner Bros. is a cornerstone of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD), an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered in New York City[1]. The organization is a global leader in film and television production, streaming, and content distribution, operating within a diversified portfolio that includes iconic studios, major TV networks, and direct-to-consumer streaming platforms[1]. WBD was formed in April 2022 through the merger of WarnerMedia (spun off from AT&T) and Discovery, Inc., consolidating a vast array of media assets under one roof[1]. ## What Warner Bros. Does Warner Bros. is primarily responsible for the creation and distribution of film and television content. Its operations are divided into two main divisions: **Streaming & Studios** (which includes Warner Bros. Studios, HBO, DC Entertainment, and streaming services like Max) and **Global Linear Networks** (encompassing cable channels such as CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, and HGTV)[1]. The company also has significant international operations, reaching audiences across the globe[1]. Warner Bros. is known for producing blockbuster films, critically acclaimed TV series, and leveraging its intellectual property (including DC Comics characters) for cross-platform storytelling. ## History Founded in 1923 by Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner, Warner Bros. started as a pioneering Hollywood studio, quickly becoming synonymous with innovation in film and animation. Over the decades, it expanded into television, cable, and, more recently, digital streaming. The studio’s legacy includes the first “talkie” (*The Jazz Singer*, 1927), classic animation (Looney Tunes), and a string of box office hits from franchises like *Harry Potter*, *The Lord of the Rings*, and *Batman*. The 2022 merger with Discovery marked a new chapter, aiming to compete more aggressively in the streaming era[1

Netflix, Inc., founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Los Gatos, California, is a global media and entertainment company primarily known for its streaming service that offers movies, TV series, and games to over 300 million paid subscribers across more than 190 countries[1][2]. Initially disrupting the traditional video rental market dominated by Blockbuster, Netflix evolved from DVD rentals to pioneering the streaming model in 2007, fundamentally changing how audiences consume entertainment[1]. Netflix’s transition into original content production beginning in 2013 marked a significant milestone, with acclaimed series and films that garnered numerous awards, establishing it not only as a distributor but also a creator of high-quality content[1]. This strategic pivot helped Netflix compete against traditional broadcasters and emerging streaming platforms. By 2023, Netflix expanded into live programming, further broadening its content offerings and competitive scope[1]. Financially, Netflix is a powerhouse with a market capitalization of approximately $464 billion as of late 2025, annual revenues exceeding $43 billion, and a strong earnings per share figure of $23.97 from the previous year, showcasing robust profitability and investor confidence[1]. Under the leadership of CEO Theodore A. Sarandos, Netflix continues to innovate in entertainment technology, providing flexible viewing experiences where users can play, pause, and resume content anytime, anywhere[1][2]. Notable aspects of Netflix include its disruption of traditional media, its investment in diverse global content, and its adaptation to technological shifts in media consumption. Its impact extends beyond entertainment to influence digital distribution, consumer behavior, and the economics of content creation and delivery in the 21st century[1][2]. Netflix remains a benchmark in streaming services and a key player in the evolving landscape of global entertainment.

Cinema United, formerly known as the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), is the world’s largest exhibition trade organization, representing over 31,000 movie screens across all 50 U.S. states and more than 30,000 screens in around 80 countries worldwide[1][2][3]. Founded in 1948, the organization serves as a unified voice for movie theater owners ranging from large chains to independent single-screen venues, advocating for the theatrical exhibition industry at federal and international levels[2][5]. Historically, Cinema United originated from the merger of major theater trade associations, notably the Theater Owners of America and the Allied States Association of Motion Picture Exhibitors, which culminated in 1965 with the formation of NATO[1][5]. Over decades, it has supported the industry through key shifts such as the multiplex boom of the 1960s, the blockbuster era of the 1980s, and more recent technological and market challenges. It has also been instrumental in launching initiatives like National Movie Month in the 1960s and CinemaCon in 2011, a premier industry convention[5]. In March 2025, the organization rebranded from NATO to Cinema United to better emphasize its mission and avoid confusion with the similarly named military alliance[1][4]. The new name reflects a renewed focus on promoting moviegoing and supporting theater exhibitors with advocacy in areas such as government relations, new technology adoption, marketing, and First Amendment issues[2][4]. Key achievements include strong industry advocacy against consolidation threats like the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition by Netflix in 2025, highlighting risks to theatrical exhibition and local economies[3]. Cinema United also established The Cinema Foundation in 2022, a nonprofit to advance theatrical exhibition and launched National Cinema Day to boost attendance[5]. Today, Cinema United remains headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an office in Los Angeles, working actively to influence policy, foster community among exhibitors