Netflix: Warner Bros Discovery

Department for Culture, Media and Sport written question – answered at on 28 January 2026.

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Photo of Lord Black of Brentwood Lord Black of Brentwood Conservative

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any implications of the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery on (1) the UK's commercial public sector broadcasters, (2) the BBC, and (3) the UK's independent film production sector; and if they have not made any such assessment, whether they intend to do so.

Photo of Lord Black of Brentwood Lord Black of Brentwood Conservative

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any impact of the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery on the UK's subscription video on demand market and on the domestic streaming sector.

Photo of Lord Black of Brentwood Lord Black of Brentwood Conservative

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have had any discussions with the UK cinema industry about the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Photo of Baroness Twycross Baroness Twycross Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip), The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Given the legal and commercial sensitivities involved, it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on any live or potential media merger involving Warner Bros Discovery or other US‑based companies. As set out in our Creative Industries Sector Plan, we recognise that convergence in the TV and streaming market is leading to greater consolidation as companies seek economies of scale. Should any proposed transaction progress, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) would be responsible for examining implications for competition and consumers.

The Government recognises the vital role that cinemas and independent British content play in local communities and in supporting economic growth. That is why we have committed to backing the UK's film and TV industry in the Sector Plan, which includes a £75 million Screen Growth Package with an £18 million per year expansion of the UK Global Screen Fund to support independent UK content. We continue to offer world-leading tax credits - 53% for independent film and 34% for high-end TV - the latter providing over £1 billion in support to British television. We remain in close contact with the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, and UK Cinema Association on the challenges facing content producers and exhibitors.

The Government has also committed to taking action to support the future of public service media, which is why we are getting on with implementing the Media Act 2024 and have recently launched the BBC Charter Review. ofcom’s Public Service Media review also makes a number of recommendations that will inform that work.

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