American free ad-supported streaming service owned by Paramount Skydance Direct-to-Consumer
Disney is exploring a free, ad-supported streaming tier to widen reach and boost ad revenue, while noting no near-term launch. The company cites a price-sensitive audience and higher ad inventory as catalysts for growth.
Paramount has settled a multi-state antitrust suit over its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, agreeing to distribute a set number of films annually and to safeguard CBS News and CNN’s editorial independence. The deal clears a major hurdle but integration and staffing questions remain as regulators, executives, and staff brace for the next phase.
Twelve state attorneys general have reached a settlement with Paramount Skydance that has cleared the way for its merger with Warner Bros. The deal has required independent editorial boards for CNN and CBS, a commitment to release at least 30 theatrical films a year and a $30m penalty if that output target is missed. Critics and media advocates have condemned the concessions.
David Ellison has closed the roughly $110 billion merger that combines Paramount and Warner Bros. into a single company rebranded Skydance. The deal has folded HBO Max and Paramount+ together under one owner, brought CBS and CNN into the same corporate roof, and left the new firm carrying heavy debt while promising film release minimums and editorial safeguards.
Skydance has closed its landmark merger, uniting Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to form a media powerhouse. The deal brings HBO Max, Paramount+, CNN, CBS News, and iconic film titles under one umbrella, with Ellison and Kreiz leading the new group. The integration plan and pricing strategy remain uncertain as the company outlines its faster path to scale.