Paramount believes it has path through Trump admin to get WBD deal approved: Puck's Matt Belloni

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing bidding war for Warner Brothers assets, particularly between Netflix and Paramount, raises concerns about potential litigation and the strategic rationale behind Netflix's interest in these assets [1][4][5]. Group 1: Bidding Dynamics - Netflix's bid for Warner Brothers is seen as unnecessary by some investors, leading to dissatisfaction and a drop in share prices to an eight-month low [3][4]. - Paramount's bid is perceived as cleaner, with fewer antitrust concerns compared to Netflix's acquisition, which could lead to regulatory challenges [6][11]. Group 2: Asset Value and Strategy - Warner Brothers' intellectual property, including its extensive library, is viewed as a significant asset that could enhance Netflix's business model [5]. - The potential acquisition of HBO Max could provide Netflix with options to either eliminate a competitor or integrate it into their platform [5]. Group 3: Implications for CNN and Other Assets - If Paramount's bid succeeds, it would gain control over CNN, leading to discussions about potential mergers with CBS and the future direction of CNN's editorial stance [8][9]. - Netflix's focus remains on studios and streaming, indicating a lack of interest in cable networks like CNN, which would be left to the new Discovery Global company [10].