Blaney McMurtry Entertainment Partner Dave Stern was recently featured in a CBC News article analyzing the high-profile bids by Paramount Skydance and Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. The competing proposals, each carrying significant implications for the future of the entertainment landscape, have drawn international attention from regulators, industry analysts, and content creators.
Dave provided insight into what these bids could mean for the Canadian media environment, particularly in relation to content licensing and streaming access. He noted that Warner Bros. currently maintains significant licensing agreements with Canadian providers, including Bell Media's multi-year deal that allows Crave to carry HBO content. Depending on the outcome of the acquisition, those licensing models could shift dramatically.
Dave also explained that either buyer (once in control of Warner Bros.' vast content library) may choose to reclaim rights, merge platforms, or redirect distribution strategies to maximize value. Such moves could reshape how Canadians access premium television and film content.
He suggested that downstream effects may include increased investment in Canadian production and distribution if broadcasters lose access to U.S. programming and look to expand domestic content.
Read the full article on CBC News to learn more about this major industry development and Dave's insights.