American media giant formed in 2022 from WarnerMedia and Discovery merger
Disney has closed CinemaCon in Las Vegas, highlighting its strong box office performance with hits like 'Hoppers' and upcoming releases including 'The Mandalorian' and 'Toy Story 5.' Despite challenges, Disney's influence on the industry remains significant, even as it faces internal layoffs and industry consolidation debates.
Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, has died at 87. His life spanned philanthropy, conservation, entertainment and sports ownership. His most enduring legacy is creating the 24-hour news cycle through CNN, which transformed journalism and public discourse. His passing prompts questions about CNN’s future under new ownership.
Trump has arrived in Beijing with a tech-focused delegation for talks with Xi Jinping. Ratner accompanies the trip to scout for Rush Hour 4 filming locations, while executives from major tech firms are present. The discussions centre on trade, Iran, and Taiwan, with some hints about potential film projects pending outcomes.
The Ellison family’s Paramount is pushing ahead with its deal to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery, amid heightened scrutiny from the DOJ and state attorneys general. Regulators have hosted a lengthy deposition and remain weighing antitrust implications, while Paramount’s chief legal officer frames opposition as politically charged. CBS News leadership changes have intensified internal turmoil.
The U.S. Department of Justice has approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery after an eight‑month probe, concluding the merger is unlikely to harm competition in streaming, linear TV or theatrical film markets. The transaction still faces reviews by U.K. and EU regulators and possible lawsuits from state attorneys general.
A string of articles shows AI is transforming junior roles across finance and tech, boosting productivity while prompting debate about job quality and upskilling. Disney, Paramount and Thoma Bravo describe faster coding, more complex tasks for juniors, and government-led training initiatives.
Fox Corp. has agreed to acquire Roku for about $22 billion in a cash-and-stock deal valuing Roku at $160 per share. The boards of both companies have approved the transaction; the combined company will pair Fox's live news and sports and Tubi with Roku's OS, devices and The Roku Channel, and is expected to close in the first half of 2027.
Toy Story 5 has opened to record franchise returns, grossing roughly $312m worldwide and dominating ticket sales. Low‑budget horror films made by online creators — notably Obsession, Backrooms and Iron Lung — have posted surprise gains. By contrast, DCilms' Supergirl has underperformed, opening far below studio expectations and drawing poor reviews.
Comcast has announced a tax-free spin-off that will separate NBCUniversal and Sky into a standalone, publicly traded media company while leaving Comcast focused on broadband, wireless and business services. The company has said the separation will complete in about a year, executives told investors, and Comcast will initially keep up to 19.9% of the new media group.
Paramount has offered $31 per share to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, amid a bidding war with Netflix and Comcast. Shareholders approved the deal, including a $7 billion breakup fee and the $2.8 billion Netflix termination fee. Regulators are reviewing the transaction, with the aim to close in the third quarter.
The June employment report has shown slower payroll gains and revisions to prior months, while wages continue to rise. The labor market remains tight, but participation has cooled and hiring is concentrated in a few sectors.
Culture secretary has said she is minded to intervene in the Paramount-WBD merger on public-interest grounds, triggering regulatory scrutiny by Ofcom and the CMA. A final decision has not been taken; Paramount and WBD face a response deadline, with potential timelines extending into Q3 2026.
Paramount Skydance has reported quarterly revenue of $7.35 billion, up 2%, driven by streaming and film slate. Paramount+ added subscribers and revenue, film “Scream 7” boosted film revenue, while TV media faces cord-cutting. The company reaffirms full-year outlook and is pursuing cost cuts tied to the Warner Bros. Discovery deal.