WBD to split into two companies

[Chris]

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/09/warner-bros-discovery-to-split-into-two-public-companies-by-next-year.html

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to split into two public companies by next year, the media giant announced Monday, the latest upheaval in the industry as consumers transition from cable to streaming.

WBD will separate into a streaming and studios company, which will include its movie properties and streaming service HBO Max, and a global networks company, which will include CNN, TNT Sports and Discovery, among other businesses.

CEO David Zaslav will lead the streaming and studios company. Current CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will become CEO of the global networks business.

Warner Bros. Discovery expects to complete the split by the middle of 2026.

“By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape,” Zaslav said in a release.

The news confirms earlier reporting by CNBC and others that WBD was considering such a split. In December, the company announced restructuring that many saw as a precursor to a full break.

It also comes as cable giant Comcast

is in the process of spinning out its portfolio of cable networks, including CNBC, into a new publicly traded company called Versant. That separation, announced last year, inspired speculation that the media industry could soon see heightened consolidation.

Warner Bros. Discovery shares were up more than 9% in premarket trading Monday.

 

[Barry Poppins]

Gee, I wonder what the Studio's gonna be called... Warner Bros.? And the cable channels... is it gonna be Discovery?

Nah, I don't buy it. Gotta be something more complicated

 

[Kairi HoHo]

Whatever WB needs Superman to hit the mark in July for them to thrive as they are doing all of this. If it fails all this means nothing they are at a crossroads in my opinion as a Studio they should be getting that in order before even doing this in the next Year or so.