Top News:
Todd Spangler / Variety:
Sources: Comcast, Netflix, and Paramount submitted second-round WBD bids on December 1; Paramount's includes financing from Apollo and Middle East wealth funds — Netflix reportedly made a mostly cash bid for the Warner Bros. streaming and studios entity; Comcast is also in the mix
Discussion:
TVBEurope, Wall Street Journal, Screen, The Wrap, Los Angeles Times, The American Bazaar, Sports Media Watch, Lucas Shaw on LinkedIn, Blockonomi, Sports Business Journal, Cord Cutters News, @nitishpahwa.com, Yahoo Finance, The Hollywood Reporter, Broadband TV News, Proactiveinvestors UK, Advanced Television, NewsMax.com, Awful Announcing and informitv
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Reuters:
Sources: in talks with WBD, Netflix said a combination of its streaming service with HBO Max would benefit consumers by lowering the cost of a bundled offering — Netflix's (NFLX.O) proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's (WBD.O) studios and streaming unit is expected to reduce streaming costs …
Discussion:
New York Post and Cord Cutters News
Bloomberg:
Sources: Comcast is looking to merge NBCUniversal, including NBC TV, studios, and theme parks, with WBD, whose shareholders would get cash and stock — Comcast Corp. is looking to merge its NBCUniversal division with Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., according to people familiar with the company's plans.
Discussion:
The Wrap
Charles Gasparino / New York Post:
Sources: if Netflix wins the auction for WBD, Paramount plans to go directly to WBD shareholders to argue that Netflix's bid would face regulatory issues — If Warner Bros. Discovery is leaning toward Netflix's offer in the high stakes race for the company's assets, rival bidder Paramount Skydance has a …
Bloomberg:
Sources: Netflix files a new bid for Warner Bros. Discovery that is mostly cash, and is working on a bridge loan that totals tens of billions of dollars
Sources: Netflix files a new bid for Warner Bros. Discovery that is mostly cash, and is working on a bridge loan that totals tens of billions of dollars
Discussion:
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David Bauder / Associated Press:
The Pentagon denied the AP and others access to a few news briefings, claiming they're orientation events for the new press corps, which now includes Matt Gaetz — Outlets that reach millions of news consumers are being denied access to rare briefings by Pentagon officials this week …
Discussion:
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Sara Fischer / Axios:
CNN partners with Kalshi to use its real-time prediction data in TV, digital, and social channel reporting, on-air data tickers, analysis, and fact-checking — CNN has stuck a partnership with Kalshi, the world's largest global prediction market company, bringing Kalshi's data …
Jess Weatherbed / The Verge:
YouTube launches Recap, which lets users review their most notable video habits over the past year, in the US on desktop and mobile, arriving globally next week — The new annual insights feature lets you review your top channels, interests, and other viewing habits.
Discussion:
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Todd Spangler / Variety:
Former Paramount streaming exec Jeff Shultz is named CEO of Radial Entertainment, which was formed last summer from the merger of FilmRise and Shout! Studios — Paramount Global alum Jeff Shultz is taking the helm of Radial Entertainment, the recently formed entertainment company encompassing FilmRise and Shout!
Discussion:
TheDesk.net, StreamTV Insider, TVNewsCheck, Deadline, The Wrap, Jeff Shultz on LinkedIn, Media Play News and Realscreen
Jessica Hammers / Marketing Dive:
Snapchat launches the Winter Village, a shoppable AR experience that includes Chopard, Lancome, and Boss virtual shops, available through December 31 — Chopard and other luxury brands are featured in the Snapchat Winter Village, a digital activation meant to mimic the in-person shopping experience.
Discussion:
Snap Newsroom, @naomishambles.bsky.social, Your Source for Retail, MediaPost and Social Media Today
Zac Ntim / Deadline:
Netflix says Southeast Asian content on the platform grew nearly 50% from 2023 to 2024 and 40+ Southeast Asian titles were in its Global Top 10 in 2025 — Netflix has said global viewership of Southeast Asian content on its platform grew by nearly 50% from 2023 to 2024.
Discussion:
Variety
Sam Gutelle / Tubefilter:
Acast, with Little Dot Studios, is launching a UK-based program to boost ad opportunities for podcasters on YouTube; a beta version launches in January — In the US, podcast ad revenue is projected to soar to $2.5 billion this year. Meanwhile, across the pond, podcaster fortunes are improving as well …
Discussion:
Journalism.co.uk, Acast, Podnews and Advanced Television
Wall Street Journal:
Sources: as Disney prepares to name Bob Iger's successor in early 2026, parks chief Josh D'Amaro and TV head Dana Walden met with Disney's board this summer — Company is expected to promote from within, with parks chief Josh D'Amaro and TV head Dana Walden considered leading contenders
Discussion:
@benfritz, @nick_field90, GameSpot, National Legal …, Cord Cutters News, TVNewsCheck, Fortune and Axios
