[imbnwa]

That is exactly what is going on. Everyone at WB management knows that the Ellisons want to weaponize CNN before the midterms runoffs start in spring.

[dawnerd]

Netflix isn't buying CNN though, Paramount can just pick up Discovery on the cheap when its split off. There's no reason for them to even be trying to do a hostile bid either. I think this is just purely an ego/power trip thing.

[NoGravitas]

It's scheduling. WBD was set to spin off Discovery Global in April --- after the March congressional primaries. The hostile bid creates leverage to get the TV networks spun off sooner, rather than later, to ensure that the Ellisons can pick them up Q1, in time to set the narrative for the congressional primaries.

See: https://substack.com/@thedreydossier/p-180959723

[dragonwriter]

> the midterms runoffs

Do you mean primaries? Runoffs are a thing in some elections in the US, but not a thing that would start in spring for the congressional midterms.

[ls-a]

Doesn't that imply that Netflix was planning to do the same (for their party)? Or are you saying Netflix is innocent here

[rjmorris]

No, it doesn't imply that. Saying party X plans to do something implies nothing about what party Y plans to do.

[qbit42]

Netflix wasn't buying CNN.

[the_gastropod]

Both-sidesism is a hell of a drug.

[salawat]

Netflix and those involved hasn't conclusively metamorphosed into a Larry Ellison-esque state of Lawn Moweriness.

Make no mistake, it (Netflix) is still a billionaire corp; on the humanity scale, it scores quite low, but not lawn mower low. They're still outside the Ellison event horizon.

[pylotlight]

Didn't you know? It's only bad when the people I don't like are doing it.