WGA and industry groups oppose Netflix-Warner Bros. merger over jobs and content concerns

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and multiple Hollywood industry groups have voiced strong opposition to Netflix’s proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

The WGA stated the merger could eliminate jobs, reduce wages, and limit content diversity, urging regulators to block the deal.

“The world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent,” the WGA said. “This merger must be blocked to protect industry workers and consumers.”

The Teamsters’ Hollywood division echoed concerns, warning that corporate consolidation threatens union jobs and the broader entertainment industry. “Greed-fueled consolidation of corporate power is a direct threat to good union jobs and the very existence of our industry,” said Lindsay Dougherty, Local 399 principal officer.

Other industry groups, including the Producers Guild of America (PGA), the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and SAG-AFTRA, expressed similar worries. The PGA highlighted the need to preserve theatrical distribution and creative opportunities for producers, while the DGA emphasized the importance of a competitive environment for directors and their teams. SAG-AFTRA noted the deal could affect creative talent and production levels, signaling a careful review of its impact before taking a formal stance.

Cinema United, the theater trade group formerly known as the National Association of Theater Owners, called the deal an “unprecedented threat” to movie theaters worldwide, citing Netflix’s history of favoring streaming releases over theatrical windows.

Netflix has stated it plans to maintain Warner Bros.’ operations, continue theatrical film releases, and keep HBO Max as a separate service. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos added that release windows would evolve to be more “consumer friendly,” aiming to meet audiences where they are while preserving first-run movie access.