Warner Bros. Discovery’s Bold Split: What It Means for Your Favorite Shows and Movies!

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Warner Bros. Discovery, as it telegraphed six months ago, is breaking itself into two chunks.

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I’m excited about the upcoming transformation within WarnerMedia. The new entity, “WBD Streaming & Studios,” will be my go-to place for all things film and streaming, housing Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, Max/HBO Max, and more. On the other hand, “WBD Global Networks” will serve as a hub for linear TV channels like CNN, TNT, TBS, and many others, primarily focusing on businesses that have seen a drop in revenue and profitability due to the shifting media landscape.

According to David Zaslav, WBD’s CEO, this division will provide each company with the clarity of focus and strategic agility required to thrive in today’s dynamic media world. This could potentially open up opportunities for mergers and acquisitions, allowing both companies to adapt swiftly and effectively to the ever-changing landscape of modern entertainment.

By mid-2026, it’s anticipated that the separation will be finalized. Zaslav will oversee the combined entity of streaming and studios, while Gunnar Wiedenfels, who is currently the CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will lead the as-yet unnamed TV company. The bulk of WBD’s debt, approximately $34 billion in net debt at the close of the first quarter of 2025, is slated to be transferred to the newly formed TV networks division, according to executives.

Here’s a breakdown of what each entity would look like following the split.

WBD Streaming & Studios

  • Max global streaming service, available in 77 markets (soon to be rebranded back to HBO Max worldwide)
  • HBO linear channels
  • TNT Sports International (U.K. and Ireland)
  • Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group (WBMPG), comprising Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
  • DC Studios and DC Comics Publishing
  • Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG), comprising Warner Bros. Television (live-action scripted programming), Warner Bros. Unscripted Television (Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, Telepictures, Warner Bros. International Television Production, and Shed Media), Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe
  • Warner Bros. Games
  • Tours, retail and experiences including consumer products and brand licensing
  • Studio production facilities in Burbank and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in England

WBD Global Networks

  • U.S. general and lifestyle entertainment networks including TNT, TBS, Turner Classic Movies, OWN, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim
  • CNN, including CNN International and CNN’s forthcoming subscription streaming service
  • Discovery+ streaming service
  • TNT Sports U.S. including rights with MLB, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, NHL, United States Soccer Federation, Unrivaled, Nascar, Roland-Garros, NCAA Big 12 Football and Men’s Basketball, and NCAA Big East Men’s and Women’s Basketball
  • Bleacher Report (B/R) and House of Highlights (under TNT Sports)
  • Eurosport.com, Golf Digest (under TNT Sports)

Here is a presentation slide that our team at WBD has prepared for potential investors, detailing what our newly formed companies will look like after the split:

[Slide Title] New Companies Post-Split

[Introduction] Our company is undergoing a strategic transformation, and as part of this evolution, we will be splitting into two distinct entities. Here’s a sneak peek at what each company will look like following the split.

[Company 1]

* Focus: [Focus area or industry for Company 1]
* Key Products/Services: [List of key products or services offered by Company 1]
* Geographic Reach: [Regions where Company 1 will operate]
* Leadership: [Key executives and their roles in Company 1]

[Company 2]

* Focus: [Focus area or industry for Company 2]
* Key Products/Services: [List of key products or services offered by Company 2]
* Geographic Reach: [Regions where Company 2 will operate]
* Leadership: [Key executives and their roles in Company 2]

[Conclusion] We are excited about the opportunities that this split presents for both companies, and we look forward to updating you on their progress as they embark on their respective journeys.

Pictured above: David Corenswet in James Gunn’s “Superman,” set to hit theaters July 11, 2025

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2025-06-09 17:46