Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, David Zaslav, has outlined a clear timeline for the company’s anticipated split, signaling a significant shift in the media landscape.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s Timeline for Company Split
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced that he anticipates the company’s planned separation will be finalized by April 2026. This marks the most definitive timeline provided by executives regarding the split. The division of streaming and studios from global networks is expected to occur in the first half of the year.
Details on the Split
“We expect the companies will be split sometime in April,” Zaslav told investors at a Goldman Sachs media conference. “Everything’s on track.” He emphasized that there are no regulatory approvals required, highlighting the significant turnaround at Warner Bros. film studio, the ongoing international expansion of HBO Max, and anticipated price increases for streaming services. Zaslav noted that focusing on these aspects is more critical than enforcing a crackdown on password sharing.
Structure of the New Entities
In June, WBD formally announced its intention to split into two entities, following a similar move by Comcast, which plans to spin off NBCUniversal’s linear cable networks by year-end. The new publicly traded company will include Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, along with their extensive film and television libraries.
Global Media Networks
The Global Media Networks will encompass entertainment, sports, and news television brands worldwide, including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and the profitable Discovery+ streaming service. Zaslav will serve as president and CEO of Warner Bros., while Gunnar Wiedenfels, the current WBD CFO, will lead the networks.
Focus on Growth and Strategy
Both WBD and Comcast are strategically separating high-growth businesses from declining linear television. Zaslav acknowledged the challenges facing linear entertainment, excluding sports and news, but expressed confidence that the split would provide both companies with sharper focus and strategic flexibility to compete and invest effectively.
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Future of Standalone Networks
“The focus for the standalone networks business is key,” Zaslav stated. “We need to concentrate on these assets. What does the future hold for Food Network? How can CNN expand globally? How do we leverage streaming for sports to maximize our global sports assets?”
Password Sharing and Pricing Strategy
Regarding password sharing, Zaslav mentioned, “We haven’t prioritized password sharing yet. People are starting to embrace HBO Max. Our goal is for them to fall in love with our content, and over time, we will address password sharing.” He believes that as viewers appreciate the quality of their offerings, they will be more amenable to price increases.
