Netflix will officially acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) streaming and studio assets in an $82.7 billion deal, the company announced Friday morning. Netflix stated it has secured $59 billion in financing from a collection of banks to finalize the deal. This is a coup for Netflix. Acquiring Warner Bros. will provide exclusive control over intellectual property such as DC, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and HBO Originals. Ted Sarandos agreed, framing the acquisition as a rare but necessary shift for Netflix to maintain its leadership.

NBC News is introducing an ad-free, subscription-based streaming platform that consolidates its full lineup of content, spanning linear broadcasts, podcasts, live channels from NBC-owned stations, and original exclusive reports, into a single application, per Variety. Multiple platforms appeal to user preferences but cause more difficulties for advertisers who are struggling with an increasingly fragmented TV ecosystem.

Netflix is reportedly exploring an acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)’s studio and streaming operations—its boldest move yet to consolidate the streaming market. The deal would include HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures, and HBO Max but exclude cable properties. For Netflix, the acquisition would supercharge its ad-supported tier with premium, long-tail content, expanding both viewership and inventory. The potential combination of HBO’s prestige programming and Netflix’s data-driven ad platform could redefine connected TV advertising, pressuring rivals like Disney+ and Peacock. If successful, the merger would mark streaming’s biggest consolidation since Amazon’s MGM purchase—and a new era for premium video.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is publicly considering a sale after receiving acquisition interest from several buyers, the company announced Tuesday. WBD’s change in attitude could have significant implications for marketers by increasing audience reach and unlocking diversified ad inventory across popular IPs.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) reportedly rejected a proposed acquisition from Paramount Skydance, claiming that its offer of $20 per share was “too low,” per Bloomberg reporting. WBD’s rejection signals that some legacy media players see more value in restructuring themselves than in merging on the cheap.

MS NOW rebrand targets broader news reach: MSNBC aims to scale beyond its niche as TV audiences fragment globally.

The news: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) plans to split into two separate public companies by 2026, one focused on streaming and studios and the other on global cable networks, the company announced. Its streaming company will include HBO Max and WBD’s movie properties, while the global networks company will include TNT Sports, Discovery, and CNN. Our take: WBD’s move emphasizes that sticking with a one-size-fits-all model is no longer viable given traditional TV declines and the rise of streaming. Managing decline while pursuing growth requires two fundamentally different playbooks.

CNN isn’t done with streaming: In a memo announcing layoffs, CEO Mark Thompson said a standalone streaming service is coming.

Prime Video may take a stab at streaming news: A successful election night broadcast has the streamer exploring options.

CNN launches $3.99 paywall: It’s a bid to grow digital dollars as cable viewership and revenues decline.

Instagram’s value wanes for publishers: Ad spend and content posting drop as WhatsApp Channels gains traction for direct audience engagement.

CNN and Roku want to thrive in the FAST lane: Both are launching free ad-supported streaming channels to lure price-conscious consumers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss whether people will ever buy items they see in TV shows, if online ratings are broken, a relaunched Amazon Shipping trying to compete with UPS and FedEx, if CNN and sports can move the needle for streaming service Max, whether the continuing partnership between Target and Starbucks is boosting curbside pickup, where we got gas before gas stations, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analysts Blake Droesch and Paul Verna.

The ad-reliant digital publishing business is dying: News organizations like CNN, Gannett, and countless others are laying off hundreds as ad revenues fall dramatically.

Warner Bros. Discovery could use its size to boost ad costs: Media powerhouse seeking higher prices for its content in initial upfront talks.

This year, Peacock will hit 64.3 million US viewers, up 25.0% from 51.5 million the year before. The Comcast-owned streaming platform will continue to grow as it rivals established competitors.

CNN+’s rough launch shows consumers prefer entertainment-first streaming: Executive shakeups, distribution issues, and more have led to a tepid start.

The streaming subscription may be at a turning point: As CNN+ pricing and launch strategy comes into focus, there’s a question how much content consumers will pay for.

On today's episode, we discuss who owns everything in the media universe, the formation of Warner Bros. Discovery, and why Amazon bought MGM. We then talk about how people are consuming sports in different ways, CNN's new streaming service, and whether HBO Max with ads can make a big splash. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior forecasting analyst at Insider Intelligence Eric Haggstrom.

Here’s how publishers are developing and expanding their ecommerce monetization strategies, and how brands and retailers can partner with them to drive purchases in the affiliate channel.