New York Post·2026-02-25 22:32Core Viewpoint - Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is making a significant effort to secure the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service and studio amid rising antitrust concerns and political challenges [1][3][6]. Group 1: Acquisition Efforts - Sarandos is heading to Washington to address antitrust concerns related to Netflix's plans to integrate Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service with its own [1][3]. - The acquisition deal is valued at $73 billion, which has raised concerns among Netflix shareholders regarding the financial implications and the debt required to finance the deal [6][12]. - Warner Bros. Discovery is reconsidering its agreement with Netflix due to a competing bid from Paramount Skydance, which has proposed a higher offer of $31 per share [8][9]. Group 2: Political and Regulatory Challenges - Sarandos is engaging in a lobbying effort that includes potential meetings with political figures, including President Trump, to mitigate antitrust scrutiny [2][3]. - GOP lawmakers are skeptical of Netflix's programming, viewing it as politically biased, which complicates the company's efforts to gain regulatory approval for the acquisition [4][6]. - The Department of Justice is reportedly scrutinizing Netflix's business model under antitrust laws, which could pose significant hurdles for the acquisition [15][16]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Paramount Skydance's bid is seen as having a better chance of regulatory approval due to less overlap with existing services, making it a formidable competitor in the acquisition process [10][14]. - The outcome of the acquisition will be determined by a shareholder vote on March 20, which has garnered significant attention from investors and media alike [12][16]. - The ongoing negotiations and competitive bids highlight the strategic importance of Warner Bros. Discovery's assets, including HBO Max and CNN, in the media landscape [12][17].