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Written question asked by Angus MacDonald (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 8 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Warner Bros Discovery: Takeovers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with representatives of the UK film and cinema sectors regarding the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix.

Answer

The Government is aware that Netflix has submitted a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and streaming assets as part of an ongoing acquisition process. Given the legal and commercial sensitivities involved, it would not be appropriate to comment on live discussions regarding this or any other potential merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

As set out in our Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government is aware of the evolving nature of the TV and streaming landscape. Should any merger progress, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) would be responsible for examining implications for competition and consumers, provided that the relevant jurisdiction criteria are met. The Government has committed to asking the CMA, working with Ofcom, to set out how changes in the sector could be taken into account as part of any future assessment of the television and advertising markets.

We recognise the importance of cinemas to our high streets and our communities, and we will remain in regular contact with stakeholders including the British Film Institute and the UK Cinema Association on how best to support the UK film and cinema sectors.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
98336
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Cinemas Film Takeovers Netflix Warner Bros Discovery
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk