Read the memo WBD CEO David Zaslav sent employees after rejecting Paramount for the 8th time

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Business Insider

Jan 7, 2026, 10:41 AM ET


Warner Bros. Discovery just rejected David Ellison's takeover offer for the eighth time — and its CEO is telling employees why. WBD CEO David Zaslav sent a companywide memo on Wednesday morning, which was viewed by Business Insider, explaining why WBD is sticking with its Netflix deal.

Zaslav told staffers that WBD's board of directors did a "thorough review" of Paramount's latest offer and said they believe Netflix's offer is still superior. "This review was conducted with discipline and rigor, and was supported by independent financial and legal advisors," Zaslav told employees.

In a letter to shareholders on Wednesday, WBD's board outlined two key reasons it was turning down Paramount's updated offer. First, the board said it offered "insufficient value" relative to Netflix's bid, due to additional costs like a break-up fee to Netflix. Second, they said there was a "lack of certainty" in Paramount's ability to consummate the deal because of an "extraordinary amount of debt financing."

Paramount's latest deal had included $40.4 billion in equity fully backstopped by Larry Ellison, the father of Paramount CEO David Ellison and one of the richest people in the world. In Zaslav's memo to staffers, he said the company's "operating plans remain unchanged, and our priorities for 2026 are clear and intentional." WBD's CEO also encouraged employees to tune out the noise.

Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/wbd-ceo-david-zaslav-read-memo-employees-paramount-skydance-ellison-2026-1

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REFERENCE - https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143594173

[angrychair]

1. I get some here don't like the Netflix Deal

And sure, there are minor issues in my opinion but let's be clear, WBD is being sold, so would you rather it be Netflix, that is obviously not on friendly terms with this administration or Ellison and Paramount+ which is overtly fascist in its interest and intentions.

I choose Netflix personally.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. What it all comes down to is CNN

WB wants to spin CNN off as its own entity (I suppose for separate sale) and sell the rest of itself, and Paramount wants CNN left in the bundle with the rest of WB/Discovery.

Paramount basically WANTS CNN so they can destroy it and then remake into an InfoWars or OAN, like they are doing to CBS right now.

[Intractable]

3. Netflix cares for its movies and shows properties better than Paramount.

On my 4K TV, Netflix is a much better experience than Paramount.

Netflix delivers the bits, generally providing excellent picture quality.

Paramount looks awful. I'm current watching one of the flagship shows, Mayor of Kingstown. Even well-lit scenes show graininess.

So, why do I have a Paramount+ subscription? They offered me a free month, if I would "come back." I'm back for a month.

[angrychair]

4. I have it for two reasons

One is primarily for certain soccer games.

The other is Star Trek Discovery and Strange New Worlds

Discovery has ended and not sure about SNW so mainly soccer.

I literally watch nothing else on that app.

[Intractable]

5. Discovery is (gratefully) over. SNW has a season 4 and 1/2 of a season 5.

We're being shorted on SNW. Season 5 might only have 6 episodes. Then, no more.

I'm still laughing over the episode "Four and a Half Vulcans."

They lost me on Discovery when they went into the future. Some of it was silly. A lot of weak plots.

They are about to start Starfleet Academy. (I hope it's not teen-oriented.)

I've been a trek fan since the very beginning.

[Initech]

6. David Ellison is a massive fascist tool.

And if he sold our media out to the Saudis, it's game over. Goodbye free speech.