Warner Bros Discovery has revealed plans to separate its operations into two distinct publicly traded companies named Warner Bros and Discovery Global, effectively reversing a merger that took place less than four years ago.
The company said Warner Bros will retain its iconic studio properties, including Warner Bros and DC Studios, as well as the HBO Max streaming service. Discovery Global will take over the company’s global networks division, including CNN, TNT Sports, and the Discovery+ streaming platform.
The split, first announced in June, is expected to be completed by mid-2026. It marks a strategic effort to grow WBD’s studios and streaming business while separating it from the underperforming cable networks unit.
Like other entertainment giants, WBD has faced mounting challenges as traditional cable networks suffer from declining viewership and revenue, driven by a consumer shift towards streaming platforms.
The move reflects a broader industry trend of unwinding years of media consolidation. Comcast is spinning off the bulk of its NBCUniversal cable networks into a new company, Versant, while Lionsgate completed the separation of its Starz network from its studio operations earlier this year.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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