The massive deal to combine one of Hollywood's oldest studios with a streaming giant hasn't even been approved yet, but it's already riling multiple related industries and politicians concerned about monopolies and media concentration.
If approved by U.S. regulators, Netflix’s $72 billion proposal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery would merge Warner's television and motion picture division, including HBO Max and DC Studios, with Netflix's vast library and its production arm, putting two of the world's biggest streaming services under the same ownership.
News of the impending merger drew swift reaction from the film and television industries, the movie theatre industry and U.S. lawmakers.
Here's some of that reaction, including who opposes the deal, why it's so contentious and what it could mean for consumers.
The $72-billion US deal is likely to face anti-trust scrutiny in Europe and the United States, as it gives Netflix ownership of one of its biggest competitors, HBO Max.
Industry concerns about jobs, diversity
The Writers Guild of America called for the deal to be blocked in a statement Friday, saying that further consolidation of the film and television industry would eliminate jobs, worsen conditions for entertainment workers and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers.
The Producers Guild of America said the Netflix deal must prove that it protects workers' livelihoods and theatrical distribution.
“Legacy studios are more than content libraries — within their vaults are the character and culture of our nation,” the union said.
Anytime there is consolidation of this magnitude, it creates concern that there will be fewer options, fewer voices and fewer decision makers coming from different perspectives, said Canadian director Sasha Leigh Henry.
What the full impact will be remains to be seen, Henry said, “But right now, it doesn't necessarily feel great.”
“It…