Netflix co-CEO grilled by US senators over Warner Bros Discovery merger

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Jeremy Barr in WashingtonFebruary 3, 2026 at 11:04 PM

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Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros Discovery executive Bruce Campbell testified before a Senate subcommittee on antitrust, competition policy, and consumer rights on Tuesday regarding the pending acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's film and streaming assets. Senators questioned Sarandos and Campbell about the potential impact of the merger on job security, consumer prices, content availability, and the movie theater industry. Republican senators, including Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, grilled Sarandos on Netflix's programming content, accusing the platform of promoting a "transgender ideology" and "wokeness." Sarandos denied that Netflix has any political agenda and stated the platform offers diverse content. He also addressed concerns about potential job losses, assuring the committee that the merger would be different and that Netflix needs the Warner Bros Discovery employees.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Missouri 30% Republican Party ×240% Democratic Party ×240% Adam Schiff 60% Eric Schmitt ×260% Josh Hawley ×470% Bruce Campbell ×270% United States Senate ×270% Warner Bros Discovery ×380% Ted Sarandos ×990% Netflix ×890%

Keywords

netflix 100% warner bros discovery merger 90% antitrust 70% congressional hearing 70% streaming services 60% content moderation 60% consumer prices 50% political agenda 50% job losses 40% transgender ideology 40%