Slate Money Are the Billionaires Smothering HBO?
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Mar 21, 2026 A fast-paced look at how a Middle East war sent oil prices spiking and rattled central bank decisions. A deep dive into megamergers, massive CEO payouts, and whether billionaire dealmaking is eroding a once-iconic premium TV brand. A skeptical take on a high-profile art unmasking and why the reveal may have been overhyped.
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Small Oil Shocks Loom Larger In A Weak Labor Market
- Oil-driven inflation could matter more now because the U.S. labor market is weak, raising stagflation fears even if the shock is smaller than 1970s crises.
- Emily warns slower growth plus higher inflation is a real risk given the 'lousy' hiring environment.
Foreign Strikes Can Erode Sanctions Leverage
- Geopolitically, attacking Iran undermines U.S. sanctions leverage and can force policy reversals, benefiting rivals.
- Felix notes the U.S. may have to relax Russia or Iran sanctions because it needs energy access, handing windfalls to competitors.
Zaslav Cashed Out Big From A Questionable Megadeal
- David Zaslav extracted massive value by creating a bidding war and selling Warner Bros Discovery for ~$111 billion.
- The deal yielded Zaslav roughly $700 million in exit pay plus tax gross-ups, illustrating oversized CEO payouts during megadeals.