Story perspectives

WBD Shareholders Approve $81B Paramount Deal Amid Artist Outcry

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved Paramount Skydance’s $81 billion purchase on Thursday, pending antitrust clearance.
The $111 billion merger would create one of the nation’s largest media conglomerates.
More than 4,000 artists signed an open letter warning the deal could cut jobs, raise subscription prices and shrink competition.
If completed, Paramount would control HBO Max, CNN, CBS and dozens of cable networks, raising concerns about editorial changes and price hikes for consumers.

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Story summary

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved Paramount Skydance’s $81 billion purchase on Thursday, pending antitrust clearance.
The $111 billion merger would create one of the nation’s largest media conglomerates.
More than 4,000 artists signed an open letter warning the deal could cut jobs, raise subscription prices and shrink competition.
If completed, Paramount would control HBO Max, CNN, CBS and dozens of cable networks, raising concerns about editorial changes and price hikes for consumers.