Ankler Agenda

Some guys can’t take a hint. After half a dozen proposals and a hostile bid, Paramount Skydance got a definitive “no means no” from Warner Bros. Discovery’s board this week. Elaine Low and Sean McNulty break down how the tables turned on suitor PSKY, what this means for the timeline of a Netflix-Warner Bros. merger and the wild payouts David Zaslav and the WBD C-suite are getting regardless of what happens. (Contraction, schmontraction.) Then, Erik Barmack unpacks Disney’s $1B investment in OpenAI, Bob Iger’s claim that the deal poses “no threat to creatives,” and what it really means when 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters can now be remixed into user-generated Sora videos. Plus: Richard Rushfield on the tragic murders of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Want to be featured in a future mailbag episode? Send your questions to podcasts@theankler.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a lively discussion, Katey Rich, an entertainment reporter and founder of Prestige Junkie, and Natalie Jarvey dive into the groundbreaking deal between the Oscars and YouTube. They explore how YouTube's vast audience reach could change the awards landscape. They also tackle the challenges faced by older viewers adapting to this shift. From measuring viewership to balancing the Oscars' prestige with YouTube's casual tone, Katey offers insights on production control and potential changes in show format. This deal marks a significant moment for both platforms and Hollywood!

Richard Rushfield, Katey Rich and Christopher Rosen taped a special Prestige Junkie episode to discuss what Richard rightly hailed as Rob Reiner's “towering career of a towering presence” in the industry. From his early days as a sitcom star on All in the Family to his remarkable 12-year run of feature films, starting with 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap and ending with 1996’s The American President — with 1986’s Stand By Me, 1987’s The Princess Bride and 1989’s When Harry Met Sally among those in between — Reiner influenced a generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noah Beck, a TikTok superstar turned actor, and Jordan Chiles, an Olympic gymnast and NCAA athlete, discuss how they’re redefining athletic success beyond sports. They reveal their journeys from social media to major career opportunities in acting and fashion. Jordan shares insights from her experience on Dancing with the Stars and how it transformed her social media presence. Noah delves into the unpredictability of virality and the balance between authenticity and performance. Both emphasize the importance of mentorship and mental health in their competitive careers.

Joined by Katey Rich, a seasoned film and awards journalist, the discussion dives into the Golden Globes nominations, highlighting surprising snubs and the implications for upcoming films. They also explore the unfolding drama surrounding Warner Bros.'s potential merger, backed by Jared Kushner and Middle Eastern funding. The guests analyze the impact of this battle on Hollywood, union responses, and potential industry ramifications as TV and film production faces a slowdown amid uncertainty.

Michele Mulroney, president of the Writers Guild of America West and a former television writer, shares urgent insights on the implications of Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. She highlights past mergers' negative impact on writers' jobs and diversity, warning that further consolidation threatens competition and opportunities. Mulroney emphasizes the need for writers to advocate for their interests and embrace entrepreneurial creativity. She also calls for industry leaders to consider the welfare of workers in the wake of corporate decisions.

Lesley Goldberg, a television reporter and Ankler contributor, joins the discussion on Netflix's surprising $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. She highlights the potential job losses and the industry’s anxiety over this mega-deal. The panel explores how this move could impact iconic brands like HBO, the fear surrounding theater survival, and the possibility of Netflix acquiring all-star showrunners. They also touch on the ramifications for guild negotiations and future content strategies, leaving many in the industry feeling shell-shocked.

Richard Rushfield, founder of The Ankler and expert on studio business dynamics, joins the discussion on the frenzy over Warner Bros. Discovery's potential acquisition. The podcast explores the big players—Netflix, Paramount Skydance, and Comcast—who are circling like hawks. Discussion includes which studio executive would best lead the merged entity and the troubling implications of consolidation in Hollywood. Rushfield passionately argues for alternatives to studio takeovers, emphasizing the need for creativity and competition over conglomeration.

Katie Rich, host of the Prestige Junkie podcast and awards-season expert, dives into the surprising success of *Wicked*, noting it drew an audience that was 70% women. She highlights how female-led films are thriving while male-targeted movies struggle. Rich also discusses the current Oscar race, revealing many voters haven't seen enough contenders. Additionally, she provides insights on Warner Bros. strong position with their best picture frontrunners, while addressing the challenges and perceptions of films released on streaming platforms.

How long before Warner Bros. becomes another studio swallowed up by David Ellison? With final bids for WBD due this week, all eyes remain on Paramount Skydance — despite the Comcast and Netflix red herrings. Elaine Low, Sean McNulty and Natalie Jarvey break down why a Paramount–Warners mash-up now feels less like speculation and more like destiny. Then Richard Rushfield reveals the whispers starting to circulate within the creative community about Ellison’s cozy ties to Donald Trump and how it might push back. Plus: As Disney becomes a luxury brand and even monthly streaming bills seem like an extravagance, has the middle-class been priced out of entertainment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices