Radio Atlantic Netflix vs. Paramount
12 snips
Dec 25, 2025 
David Sims, an Atlantic film critic, dissects the implications of the Warner Bros. Discovery sale amid a bidding war between Paramount and Netflix. He raises alarms about how studio consolidation could stifle creativity and diversity in filmmaking. Meanwhile, Frank Foer, an Atlantic staff writer, explores the alarming potential for presidential influence over media mergers, particularly with Trump’s possible involvement. Together, they reveal the risks to both cinematic artistry and democratic integrity with this emerging media landscape.
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Studio Is The Jewel Amid Corporate Debt
- Warner Brothers' movie studio is the company's jewel while other divisions carried debt and instability.
- David Sims warns that consolidation by other studios risks shrinking Hollywood's creative competition.
Consolidation Shrinks Creative Competition
- If Paramount buys Warner Brothers, it would mirror Disney's acquisition of Fox and reduce major studio competition.
- David Sims says fewer studios mean fewer distinct big movies and less industry rivalry.
Streaming Buyer Risks Theatrical Decline
- A Netflix acquisition threatens theatrical-first distribution because Netflix prioritizes streaming.
- David Sims worries theaters can't survive losing many theatrical releases to streaming platforms.