Paramount-Warner deal could end Paramount+

A pending merger between Paramount/Skydance and Warner Bros. would reshape streaming platforms and could lead to the shutdown of Paramount+. Paramount/Skydance CEO David Ellison has promised the merged companies will produce and release at least 30 films per year — to theaters, on demand, streaming and home video — and has said HBO boss Casey Bloys will retain control of production decisions.

Netflix is fighting the deal, waging a 'scorched earth campaign' in Washington D.C. and backing a theatrical model to supplement streaming. Paramount's legal team called Netflix's reaction a 'panic-level response,' and sees Netflix as a serious, scaled competitor.

Regulators and political leaders have flagged problems with the transaction, from foreign investment funds that make up half the cash and have been called a 'national security threat,' to U.K. inquiries over reduced competition.

United Kingdom, Washington D.C.

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