Theater Owners Tell Senate the Netflix–Warner Bros. Deal Would Be ‘Catastrophic’

Overview

• Cinema United filed a six-page statement to the Senate antitrust panel warning the acquisition would mean fewer theaters, shorter windows, lower revenue, fewer jobs, and fewer movies in cinemas.
• The exhibitors’ group, formerly NATO, says it represents more than 31,000 U.S. screens plus over 30,000 additional screens worldwide.
• Rival studio executives question the 45-day pledge, noting distributors typically use 45 days to PVOD while streaming often starts 90–100 days after theatrical, which they argue could still hurt theaters.
• The group also flags consolidation risks if another buyer prevails, saying a Paramount–Warner combination could control about 40% of the annual domestic box office.
• The written testimony follows Netflix’s $82.7 billion bid being selected, as unions and nonprofit coalitions press state attorneys general to scrutinize or move to block the deal on antitrust grounds.