Former Amazon Studios boss warns the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal will make Hollywood ‘a system that circles a single sun’

Core Viewpoint - A potential merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. could lead to a monopsony, where a single buyer dominates the market, significantly impacting the film industry's cultural output and creative diversity [1][2][3]. Group 1: Market Impact - The merger is predicted to centralize content production, resulting in a larger share of overall content spending controlled by the combined entity [3]. - A reduction in the number of bidders for creative talent may lead to less content being produced and a homogenization of creative decisions [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The merger would create a monopsony problem, giving too much bargaining power to a few buyers, which could lower compensation and narrow opportunities for writers, directors, and other creative professionals [4]. - Historical context is provided by referencing the failed merger between Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster, which was blocked due to similar concerns about author leverage [4]. Group 3: Company Statements - Netflix claims that acquiring Warner Bros. will enhance the industry by increasing U.S. production capacity, boosting investment in original content, and creating jobs, while also providing more opportunities for the creative community [5]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - A KPMG survey indicates that major players in content spending for 2024 include Comcast at $37 billion, YouTube at $32 billion, Disney at $28 billion, Amazon at $20 billion, Netflix at $17 billion, and Paramount at $15 billion, highlighting the competitive nature of the industry [6].