Power Players: Can the Paramount–Warner merger survive?

Power Players: Can the Paramount–Warner merger survive?

July 15, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential impact of the Paramount–Warner merger on Hollywood and the challenges it faces from regulators and creators.

This week, Will and Michelle speak to Reuters entertainment business correspondent Dawn Chmielewski about how the Paramount–Warner merger could reshape Hollywood. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery want to combine in a $110 billion deal that would create an entertainment giant. Executives say it's the only way to survive the streaming wars, but now twelve attorneys general, regulators and a host of creators are saying "no deal". So how do Paramount and CEO David Ellison make this deal a reality? And what could it mean for what's on our screens, big, small or handheld? Presenters: Will Bain and Michelle Fleury Producer: Rebecca Smyllie Editor: Stephen Ryan You can email the team: businessdaily@bbc.co.uk (Picture: California Attorney General Rob Bonta holds a press conference as he announces California will be suing to block Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 13, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Daniel Cole)

People in this episode

Hosts: Will Bain, Michelle Fleury

Guest: Dawn Chmielewski

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, Reuters

Places: California

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