Warner/Discovery

[filmbuffTX]

Warner Bros. Discovery Megadeal Closes, Creating Scripted and Unscripted Content Giant

The new powerhouse, which brings together the HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming platforms, has estimated combined revenue of $49.8 billion this year.



https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bu...6ab039a7423e93

[captveg]

In case anyone was wondering, there's no exact date yet for when HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services will merge, but it's expected by the end of the year.

[Poya]

Originally Posted by captveg

In case anyone was wondering, there's no exact date yet for when HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services will merge, but it's expected by the end of the year.

I don't see CNN+ surviving this. It was a dumb decision not to include the programming for that to HBO Max, especially since it's not a true cord cutting service when you need cable to activate the live feature.

[vertigop1ayer]

Originally Posted by Poya

I don't see CNN+ surviving this. It was a dumb decision not to include the programming for that to HBO Max, especially since it's not a true cord cutting service when you need cable to activate the live feature.

But the launch had reportedly been so successful.

[Underworld54]

Originally Posted by Poya

I don't see CNN+ surviving this. It was a dumb decision not to include the programming for that to HBO Max, especially since it's not a true cord cutting service when you need cable to activate the live feature.

No one watches CNN programming on regular cable, why would anyone pay extra for more CNN programming?

[Poya]

Originally Posted by Underworld54

No one watches CNN programming on regular cable, why would anyone pay extra for more CNN programming?

Exactly. People don't even watch cable for the news anymore. They have Reddit: the NYTimes for the Gen Z.

[filmbuffTX]

The three big cable news networks (CNN, The Fox News Channel, MSNBC) routinely place in the 'Top 10' of viewership of all cable networks. So people are watching and they do have value to a media company. It's just that the pie is much smaller since so many people have cut the cord. Their ratings also are heavily tied to what's going on in the world.

If people are cutting the cord doesn't it make sense to go where they are and offer programming on streaming? Starting this Spring MSNBC is putting most of its programming on Peacock a few hours after it airs. The Fox News Channel has Fox Nation. So it makes since for CNN to offer something similar. A lot of their main talent like Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon will have new shows on the service and they also poached a few people from other networks like Chris Wallace who just left Fox News for CNN. So it seems they're committed to it.

[eselv73]

Originally Posted by Underworld54

No one watches CNN programming on regular cable, why would anyone pay extra for more CNN programming?

Ratings disagree with you though, that's some intense hyperbole.

[Underworld54]

Originally Posted by eselv73

Ratings disagree with you though, that's some intense hyperbole.

I don't see anywhere that ratings are anything but mediocre.

[vertigop1ayer]

Originally Posted by filmbuffTX

The three big cable news networks (CNN, The Fox News Channel, MSNBC) routinely place in the 'Top 10' of viewership of all cable networks. So people are watching and they do have value to a media company. It's just that the pie is much smaller since so many people have cut the cord. Their ratings also are heavily tied to what's going on in the world.

If people are cutting the cord doesn't it make sense to go where they are and offer programming on streaming? Starting this Spring MSNBC is putting most of its programming on Peacock a few hours after it airs. The Fox News Channel has Fox Nation. So it makes since for CNN to offer something similar. A lot of their main talent like Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon will have new shows on the service and they also poached a few people from other networks like Chris Wallace who just left Fox News for CNN. So it seems they're committed to it.

The role of news media and sports for major streaming services are two things which haven't had a clear answer yet.

Quantifying news media's ratings could be a more difficult question than, say, HBO or Showtime. Major news channels are often used in the background at different kinds of offices, restaurants, airports, etc. Additionally, the internet and smart phones have created new methods of consuming news, along with the rise of subscription-based independent media. Are people going to pay to get their news from individuals like Wallace or Cooper if they're willing to pay for a news service? Going purely with my "feelings" here, but I have significant doubts. The reported launch of CNN+ doesn't give any more credibility to the idea either.

In my view, what WarnerMedia should've done is create a CNN "hub" on HBO Max as was done for TCM, Cartoon Network, and so on. Within that hub would be a live feed for users who want it along with the additional programming like series, a few talk shows, whatever. Obviously, CNN+ as a separate product would bring in additional revenue.....but first people have to want that, and so far we've little reason to think they do.

[ctujackbauer]

Originally Posted by Underworld54

No one watches CNN programming on regular cable, why would anyone pay extra for more CNN programming?

Originally Posted by Poya

Exactly. People don't even watch cable for the news anymore. They have Reddit: the NYTimes for the Gen Z.

+1

If I have to pay one penny more for HBO Max to include a bunch of Food Network reality competition shows, HGTV house flipping shows, and CNN, then I'll probably leave HBO Max.

That said, American Express keeps running an Amex Offers discount of $25 on a $99.99+ purchase. The annual subscription is $149.99 (~20% off monthly subscription.) It's about $10 a month after jumping through all of the hoops.

(addendum: be careful if you're transitioning from a monthly plan to an annual plan and using the Amex Offer for the "With Ads" $99.99 annual subscription, HBO Max will prorate your monthly rate which will probably decrease your annual plan cost below $99.99 and disqualify you from the Amex Offer)

[mwynn]

Tom Ascheim’s Role at Warner Bros. Discovery Also Eliminated

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv...4c9ce9541f3e30

[mwynn]

[ticTACsnitch]

I'll take option 'e' (all of the above), please.

[50strat54]

Originally Posted by Underworld54

No one watches CNN programming on regular cable, why would anyone pay extra for more CNN programming?

CNN is Number One according to the Airport National Ratings

[mwynn]

New WB CEO Reportedly Meeting With JK Rowling About More Harry Potter

https://screenrant.com/harry-potter-...wling-details/

At the same time, Mr. Zaslav is looking to make fresh “Harry Potter”-related content for HBO Max—Warner Bros. made all the wizarding franchise’s movies—people familiar with his thinking said, and plans to meet with creator J.K. Rowling in the coming weeks to discuss the matter.

[drb999]

Twitter will have a fit over that.

[stvn1974]

I would love each Harry Potter book turned into a seven hour or so series to get all of the stuff left out of the films. Of course I would want it on disc though. I have zero interest in Rowling expanding up the seven books. They are perfect the way they are and anything else would be a detriment I feel.

[ben6543]

Originally Posted by mwynn

Green Arrow and Black Canary please.

[phobicsquirrel]

Snyder should be greenlit asap for justice league 2!