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What was supposed to be an antitrust hearing about Netflix's proposed merger with Warner Bros. turned into a culture war battleground when Republican senators confronted CEO Ted Sarandos about the streaming platform's content choices.
The Hearing
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos appeared before the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights to discuss the streaming giant's massive acquisition of Warner Bros. and HBO. But GOP lawmakers quickly steered the conversation toward what they see as Netflix's progressive bias in programming.
Sarandos repeatedly defended his company while answering questions on cultural issues, which strayed from the stated purpose of the antitrust hearing. The questioning highlighted growing conservative frustration with Hollywood's perceived leftward tilt.
The Warner Bros. Deal
The hearing was officially convened to examine Netflix's proposed deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, a transaction valued at approximately $83 billion. Both Democrats and Republicans expressed different concerns — Democrats worried about consumer choice and job losses, while Republicans focused on content and cultural influence.
Notably, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav did not testify at the hearing, a decision that drew criticism from some senators.
Why Consumers Should Pay Attention
Netflix has long been a target of conservative criticism for its programming choices. The merger would give the company control over HBO, CNN, and other major media properties, further concentrating media power. For consumers concerned about corporate cultural influence, this deal represents a significant consolidation of woke-friendly media.
View Netflix's woke score on BuyWokeFree
Sources: Washington Examiner, NBC News