UK Lawmakers Urge Competition Probe Into Netflix Bid for Warner Bros

Senior UK politicians and former policymakers have called on the competition watchdog to launch a full investigation into Netflix’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, warning the deal could further concentrate power in the global streaming market. In a letter sent to the Competition and Markets Authority, more than a dozen signatories raised concerns that the £83 billion acquisition would strengthen the dominance of an already powerful player and reduce consumer choice. They argued the deal risks weakening competition across television, film and digital media, with potential knock on effects for pricing, content diversity and the long term health of the creative industries. The intervention adds political pressure to a transaction that is already attracting close scrutiny in other major markets, underlining growing unease over consolidation in the streaming sector.

The letter, sent earlier this month, urged regulators to assess whether the proposed takeover could lead to a substantial reduction in competition in the UK media landscape. Those backing the call include former culture secretaries, senior figures from the broadcasting and publishing sectors, and policymakers with experience overseeing media regulation. They warned that allowing the deal to proceed without a full review could undermine efforts to maintain a competitive and plural media environment. The Competition and Markets Authority has said it cannot comment on potential cases outside a formal investigation, stressing its independence from political influence. Neither Netflix nor Warner Bros Discovery has publicly responded to the concerns raised in the letter.

The UK intervention comes as the deal faces mounting regulatory and political resistance internationally. In the United States, some lawmakers have described the proposed acquisition as deeply problematic for consumers and creative workers, while European regulators are also expected to examine competing bids for Warner Bros Discovery. Analysts say the scrutiny reflects wider concern over the scale and influence of major streaming platforms as they expand through mergers and acquisitions. For UK policymakers, the focus is on ensuring domestic audiences, producers and media businesses are not disadvantaged by global consolidation. The CMA is expected to decide in due course whether the transaction warrants a formal competition review, a move that could significantly affect the timeline and outcome of the proposed takeover.