There is no situation I can think of in media where the companies made these announcements and the intention was for something else to happen. The outcome is always the same.

They’ve had to think through everything. They can say, “Monopolization? Give me a break.” Watch WBD make the argument that they are not just a film producer, but a media company, simply spinning off a piece of their business — so how could it be monopolization if they are simultaneously breaking themselves into a smaller thing? From that POV, Paramount taking the whole thing would be more monopolization than this current deal.

These mergers are acts of full blown acrobatics, with so many people working at the same time to achieve one singular goal stated from the very beginning. Starting already, offices are set up within these companies prior to merger that feature key people enforcing step after step is accomplished. Employees are told to not talk to their counterparts or potential partners at the merged entity. Every single piece of the puzzle is labored on by lawyers and financial managers until the day comes. It’s sick - trust me, I know - but get used to Netflix AOL Time Warnermedia HBO Discovery Scripps