Warner Bros. Discovery to separate out its cable networks

telcodad

Similar to what Comcast recently did ( https://broadbandbulletin.com/d/1309-an-update-on-comcasts-spinoff-of-its-cable-tv-networks ), Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that it will split into two publicly traded companies, separating its cable television networks, including CNN, TNT, and TBS, from its streaming and studio businesses:

Warner Bros. Discovery to Split into Two Public Companies Splitting Its Cable TV Networks Off From Its Studios & Streaming
By Luke Bouma, Cord Cutters News - June 9, 2025
https://cordcuttersnews.com/warner-bros-discovery-to-split-into-two-public-companies-splitting-its-cable-tv-networks-off-from-its-studios-streaming/

Warner Bros. Discovery Is Getting Rid Of CNN, TNT, & TBS – What Does That Mean For The Future Of These Networks…
By Luke Bouma, Cord Cutters News - June 9, 2025
https://cordcuttersnews.com/warner-bros-discovery-is-getting-rid-of-cnn-tnt-tbs-what-does-that-mean-for-the-future-of-these-networks/

px_eliezer_

All the big media combos have worked out poorly.

The Time-Warner merger was satirized in the Animaniacs 1999 movie “Wakko’s Wish”.

The happy kingdom of Warnerstock (Warner) is taken over by the evil kingdom of Ticktockia (TickTock = Time).

The later merger of AOL with TimeWarner backfired even more.

telcodad

From: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/warner-bros-discovery-split-two-companies-streaming-tv-1236423250/

The company is emulating a strategy recently put into place by rival Comcast. That conglomerate is breaking up NBCUniversal, with plans to place the bulk of its cable networks in a new publicly-traded spinoff called Versant while keeping its broadcast and streaming assets under the better-known entity, NBC.

The streaming company will encompass the Warner TV and movie studios, HBO and HBO Max and a games and experiences division. The company will focus on building out the HBO Max streaming service and investing in programming. Meanwhile, the TV company will include Warner’s TV networks around the world along with specific digital brands tied to the TV entities, including Discovery+, Bleacher Report and CNN’s new streaming products.

telcodad

Latest update:

Warner Bros. Discovery Spinoff Linear & Streaming Companies Get New Yet Familiar Names
By Raymond McCain, Cord Cutters News - July 28, 2025
https://cordcuttersnews.com/warner-bros-discovery-spinoff-linear-streaming-companies-get-new-yet-familiar-names/

Warner Bros. Discovery has unveiled the official identities and leadership teams for the two standalone companies that will emerge when the media giant completes its planned separation by mid‑2026. After less than four years as one combined entity, returns to the well with a familiar name, once again with the “Streaming & Studios” and “Global Networks,” each carrying a storied name befitting their portfolios: Warner Bros. and Discovery Global, respectively.

Helmed by David Zaslav, the current President and CEO of WBD, he will lead Warner Bros. as a standalone. The company will continue to be a creative engine and the home of the company’s iconic film and TV libraries. Additionally, it will encompass the umbrella of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios.
:
On the other side of the split, Discovery Global will house the company’s premier entertainment, sports and news television brands. Linear networks from CNN to TNT Sports in the U.S. to free‑to‑air channels across Europe, plus digital offerings like Discovery+ and Bleacher Report, emphasizes the standalone’s “global” name and the division’s international scale and diverse portfolio.

Leading Discovery Global will be current WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, promoted to President and CEO. ….

broknsymetry

Now if they could just make Discovery about discovery again.

iahawkeye83

Now only if the Weather Channel would go back to Landmark Communications. That was when the Weather Channel was in its heyday. They had a severe weather specialist (Dr Greg Forbes), A Hurricane Specialist (Dr Steve Lyons), and a winter storm specialist (Dr Paul Kosin). They would send Jim Cantore and Paul Goodloe into the middle of severe weather. Never forget when Jim Cantore was in that soldiers home that filled up with water during Hurricane Katrina.

WalterDnes

iahawkeye83 You mean this Weather Channel?