Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount Global have held early talks about merging according to multiple media reports.
Warner CEO David Zaslav and Paramount CEO Bob Bakish met this week in New York to discuss a possible deal.
The meeting was first reported by news site Axios, citing multiple sources. It said Zaslav had also spoken to Shari Redstone, who owns Paramount’s parent company National Amusements.
Talks between Warner and Paramount are still at an early stage, and may not ultimately result in a deal, according to the Axios report.
A deal would bring together two of Hollywood’s “Big Five” studios, with Warner and Paramount’s combined market value standing at $38bn (£30bn).
The chief executives reportedly discussed how each company’s main streaming service, Paramount+ and Max (formerly HBO Max), could merge to better take on rivals Netflix and Disney Plus.
AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Discovery completed their merger last year to become Warner Bros Discovery. The company’s portfolio includes Warner Bros. movie studios, Discovery Channel, Warner Bros. Entertainment, CNN, HBO, Cartoon Network, streaming services Discovery+ and Max.
Paramount’s assets include its movie studio, broadcast network CBS, cable channels such as MTV and Nickelodeon, and streaming service Paramount+.
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
Lydia Goomansingh to lead Fremantle's branded entertainment push
Production and distribution giant Fremantle has appointed Lydia Goomansingh to the newly created role of SVP Commercial of Global Branded Entertainment.
Samsung TV Plus passes 100 million monthly active users
FAST service Samsung TV Plus has passed 100 million monthly active users globally, according to the platform.
BBC Group to deliver original content for YouTube
As viewer behaviour reaches a critical tipping point, the BBC Group has struck a deal to produce new programming for YouTube, in an effort to capture younger viewers.
Netflix switches to all-cash offer for Warner Bros Discovery
Netflix has revised its bid for Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming business to an all-cash offer.
IBC2026 opens call for technical papers
The call for technical papers is now open for the IBC2026 Conference, which will take place at RAI Amsterdam from 11-14 September.
