UK Politicians Call for Full Competition Review of Netflix’s Warner Bros Discovery Deal

More than a dozen UK politicians and former policymakers have urged the country’s competition watchdog to carry out a full and detailed review of Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, according to a report by the Financial Times. The intervention highlights growing concerns around competition, market dominance, and the long-term impact on the UK’s creative and cinema industries.

In a letter addressed to Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the group warned that Netflix’s $83 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery could further entrench the company’s already powerful position in the global TV streaming market. The signatories argued that allowing the deal to proceed without robust scrutiny risks cementing Netflix as a dominant player, potentially reducing consumer choice and weakening competition.

The letter reportedly stated that the acquisition could result in a “substantial lessening of competition,” with negative consequences not only for consumers but also for the UK’s world-leading creative sector and domestic cinema industry. Lawmakers expressed concerns that increased consolidation in the streaming sector could limit opportunities for independent producers, reduce investment diversity, and place excessive control over content distribution in the hands of a single platform.

Netflix has agreed to an $82.7 billion all-cash deal to purchase Warner Bros Discovery’s film and television studios, a move that would significantly expand its content library and production capabilities. The deal comes as competition in the streaming industry intensifies, with U.S. rival Paramount reportedly making a hostile offer for the same assets.

Critics have raised antitrust concerns surrounding Netflix’s pursuit of Warner Bros Discovery, noting that Netflix is already the world’s largest streaming service by subscriber numbers. They argue that further consolidation could distort the market, making it harder for smaller streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters to compete.

The CMA has not yet announced whether it will launch a formal investigation, but the growing political pressure underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in an increasingly consolidated streaming landscape. As global media companies race to scale up, the outcome of this deal could set a major precedent for future mergers in the entertainment and streaming industry.