Warner Bros. Discovery has announced significant changes regarding Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) as it transitions under Discovery Global. This article explores the implications of this shift and what it means for the future of international programming.
Future of Warner Bros. International TV Production
EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) recently revealed its leadership plan following the corporate split, but details about the Warner Bros International Television Production (WBITVP) studio were notably absent.
WBITVP’s New Direction
Despite the consolidation of WBD’s American studios under David Zaslav’s new Warner Bros. business, we can confirm that the London-based WBITVP will now operate under the Discovery Global umbrella, led by current WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels. This separation is anticipated to finalize by mid-2026.
Sources indicate that Warner Bros and Discovery are negotiating post-split agreements regarding Warner formats that WBITVP already distributes in international markets.
Strategic Shift
Multiple sources informed Deadline about WBITVP’s transition following the announcement, with a WBD representative confirming the decision. While it may seem unexpected for the international studio to separate from Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, and DC Studios, insiders believe this move aligns with Discovery Global’s international focus. “One positive aspect is that it will have to be Euro-centric,” noted one source from the continent.
WBITVP has a solid relationship with WBD International President Gerhard Zeiler, who has taken on the role of Chief Content Officer for Discovery Global, overseeing operations in the U.S., UK, and Germany. WBITVP President Ronald Goes maintains a close partnership with Zeiler, allowing them to collaborate effectively alongside Andy Zein, Executive Vice-President of Creative, Format Development, and Sales.
Future Prospects
While more information about WBITVP’s future is expected soon, sources downplayed the likelihood of layoffs or mergers. There were speculations about potential disagreements between Warner Bros. and Discovery Global regarding WBITVP’s placement. “It’s flattering that we aren’t just being shipped off, but it does seem appropriate to be part of this Discovery Global segment,” commented an insider.
Programming Highlights
WBITVP holds the rights to numerous Warner-created shows in international markets, producing popular formats like The Bachelor, FBoy Island, and Impractical Jokers from production hubs across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In the UK, it owns First Dates producer Twenty Twenty, Who Do You Think You Are? maker Wall to Wall, and The Repair Shop indie Ricochet. WBITVP’s catalog also includes 25 scripted formats, with several originating from the U.S., such as Gossip Girl, The O.C., and The Mentalist.
WBITVP’s central team, primarily based in Old Street, London, also has staff in the U.S. and employs over 50 individuals, as stated on its website. WBITVP will remain at its current location, which also houses CNN Worldwide, now transitioning to Discovery.
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Gerhard Zeiler’s New Role
Zeiler emerged as a significant winner from the recent corporate changes. The WBD veteran has assumed the U.S. President role at Discovery Global, collaborating closely with Wiedenfels on strategic initiatives. Fernando Medin, previously overseeing WBD LatAm and U.S. Hispanic operations, will now focus on international territories and new revenue streams for Discovery’s local businesses.
Key figures such as U.S. Ad Sales President Ryan Gould, distribution head Scott Miller, and content strategy EVP Fulvia Nicoli will report directly to Zeiler. Other notable international leaders transitioning to Discovery include Kasia Kieli, who continues as President and MD of Poland and CEO of Polish network TVN.
After a period of speculation, the company split was confirmed last month, mirroring moves by competitors like Comcast’s separation from NBCUniversal and Lionsgate’s split from Starz.
Overall, the division of studios and broadcast networks from cable business is viewed as a strategy to future-proof against the rise of digital-first competitors like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon. As streaming continues to grow and linear television declines, investors have expressed confusion, despite cable networks still reporting healthy profits.
“By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we empower these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete effectively in today’s evolving media landscape,” Zaslav stated.
Warner Bros’ previous parent, Warner Media, and Discovery first united under Zaslav’s leadership in April 2022, forming the WBD business, which is now set to undergo another transformation.
We have reached out to WBD for further comments.
