Get ready for a giant media merge. Two of the most popular entertainment media companies are in the talks to combine forces. It was announced this week that Paramount GLObal and Warner Bros. Discovery are in discussions about a possible merge between the two. According to Axios, The CEOs of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, David Zaslav and Bob Bakish met for several hours, discussing how if the two were to come together, how it would reflect and complement each other.
So what does this mean for viewers back at home? Well, while there is still a lot of time before anything is completely solidified as it is still very early in the merging process, this could possibly lead to a new streaming service that will combine both Paramount+ with Showtime and Warner Bros. Discovery’s MAX. This would take the entire library of programming and streaming of both companies and put them on a single platform such as NFL coverage, to HBO shows like Euphoria and Barry, to reality TV on TLC. This combination could disrupt the system a bit with it leading to a potential competitor with other services such as Netflix and Disney+.
The potential merge has already sent media consumers to their conclusions and opinions. Many have taken to social media to share their thoughts, and others have commented on articles and the company’s websites themselves, as the simple hint is already starting to send some ripples throughout Hollywood.
While the merge is a hot subject right now, any potential combination for the studios still are some ways away as Warner Bros. Discovery has to wait until next April as there has to be two full years after the merge between Warner Bros. and Discovery before pursuing any type of new deal or combination between entertainment studios.