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Tue, 06 Oct 2026

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 From films to streaming prices - how the Warner Bros deal could affect you

The deal is expected to alter the entertainment and news industries but could it mean higher prices for consumers?

* The merger will likely combine HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single platform or bundle, which may lead to higher prices for subscribers.
* The merged company, Skydance, carries $80 billion in debt from the deal, with analysts predicting that consumers will bear the financial burden of the $110 billion deal through price increases.
* As part of a settlement deal, Paramount Skydance has agreed to release 156 movies over the next five years, including at least 4 independent films per year, which could lead to more movies being released in cinemas.
* The merger may also lead to job losses in the film and TV industry, with estimates suggesting that around 4,500 direct jobs could be eliminated, and $1.26 billion in lost wages over three years.