WASHINGTON, February 6, 2026 – Netflix has enlisted teh expertise of Bloom Strategic Counsel as it navigates the regulatory landscape surrounding its proposed $83 billion merger with Warner bros. Discovery. The move signals a perhaps complex battle ahead, as the entertainment industry braces for a massive shift in power dynamics.
antitrust Scrutiny Intensifies for Streaming Giant
The deal faces mounting opposition, raising concerns about market dominance and consumer choice.
- Netflix’s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery is drawing intense scrutiny from regulators.
- Bloom Strategic Counsel, led by Seth Bloom, brings important antitrust experience to the case.
- Paramount Skydance is actively campaigning against the proposed merger.
- Concerns center on potential market dominance and control over content consumption.
The selection of Bloom Strategic Counsel isn’t a surprise. Seth Bloom, the firm’s founder, spent almost 14 years on the Senate Judiciary committee’s antitrust subcommittee, meticulously reviewing high-profile mergers like AOL/Time, Comcast’s acquisition of NBCUniversal, and the attempted AT&T/T-Mobile deal. His deep understanding of antitrust law and regulatory processes makes him a valuable asset for Netflix.
Bloom’s firm has a track record of representing major corporations in significant mergers, including JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines, Uber’s purchase of Postmates, Amazon’s merger with Whole Foods, and MillerCoors LLC in connection with the AB InBev/SABMiller merger. This extensive experience demonstrates their ability to navigate the complexities of antitrust reviews.
The regulatory hurdles became apparent during antitrust hearings on February 3, where Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos faced pointed questions from lawmakers. Senator Mike Lee, the Utah Republican chairing the panel, voiced concerns, stating, “one might say that Netflix seeks to become the one platform to rule them all, or at least to exercise a significant amount of market dominance.”
What are the potential consequences of this merger for consumers? The consolidation of content and distribution channels could lead to higher prices, reduced choice, and less innovation in the streaming market. Concerns are growing that a combined Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery could wield excessive control over what viewers watch and access.
Paramount Skydance is actively working to block the Netflix deal, and Jersey Senator Cory Booker extended an invitation to Paramount chief David Ellison to testify at the hearing. Booker expressed his frustration with Paramount’s a
Clarification of Changes & Answers to Questions:
* Why: Netflix is merging with Warner Bros. Discovery to gain greater market share and control over content distribution in the increasingly competitive streaming landscape.
* Who: The key players are Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Bloom Strategic Counsel (representing Netflix), Paramount Skydance (opposing the merger), and lawmakers like Senator Mike Lee and Senator Cory Booker.
* What: Netflix proposed an $83 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which is facing intense antitrust scrutiny from regulators and opposition from competitors.
* how did it end? The article doesn’t state the outcome of the merger. It’s still in the regulatory review process.
