The Town with Matthew Belloni
The Fate of Warner Bros in 2025, and Iger’s Trump Capitulation
Dec 16, 2024
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media trends, joins to dissect Warner Bros. Discovery's strategic split between TV networks and their film/streaming units. He highlights its potential implications for the company's future in a competitive media landscape. The discussion also pivots to ABC News’ $15 million settlement with Donald Trump, examining Disney's vulnerabilities amidst political tensions. Lastly, the challenges of launching Venue Sports are explored, especially in light of legal hurdles affecting its market potential.
33:28
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Quick takeaways
- Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy to separate its TV networks from movies and streaming indicates potential future transactions and market optimism.
- ABC News' $15 million settlement with Trump highlights changing media relations and potential implications for press freedom and accountability.
Deep dives
Warner Brothers Discovery's Financial Resilience
Warner Brothers Discovery has experienced a notable rebound in its stock price, rising from lows of around $6 or $7 to approximately $11 or $12. This surge is attributed to several strategic maneuvers, including a cable network carriage deal with Comcast that defied initial pessimistic expectations. The announcement of separating its TV networks unit from its studio and streaming unit signaled potential future transactions, prompting positive market sentiment. While these moves are seen as a precursor to further changes, doubts remain regarding the overall effectiveness of this restructuring strategy and its ability to simplify potential transactions.
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