Movies

Warner Bros. Discovery announces names post-split: Warner Bros. and Discovery Global

BBG News

On Monday, Warner Bros. Discovery revealed the potential names for the two separate companies following their split: Warner Bros. and Discovery Inc. (Global).

In about a year from now, following the completion of the corporate split, the esteemed Burbank movie and TV studio assets such as HBO, its streaming platform HBO Max, and its gaming ventures will become part of a streamlined entity known as Warner Bros. instead.

Discovery Global will be composed of various cable networks such as TNT, CNN, HGTV, Animal Planet, and the sports app Bleacher Report.

David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, declared that we will honorably carry on the over hundred-year-old tradition of Warner Bros. by dedicating ourselves to delivering captivating stories, iconic characters, and engaging entertainment to audiences globally.

As a cinephile enthusiast, I’m excitedly sharing the news about David Zaslav, a seasoned executive at Discovery, taking a leap to join forces with Warner Bros. On the other hand, Gunnar Wiedenfels, my long-standing colleague and trusted lieutenant, will now be steering the ship as the Chief Financial Officer for Discovery Global. This dynamic duo shakeup promises an intriguing chapter in the world of media entertainment!

Hollywood Inc.

In the year 2023, HBO Max was simplified to just ‘Max.’ Warner Bros. Discovery is returning to their roots, revitalizing a brand that’s synonymous with top-tier content.

The suggested corporate division acknowledges that the merger leading to Warner Bros. Discovery, which occurred three years ago, was an unsuccessful attempt that has diminished the worth of some top-tier industry brands. Zaslav initially supported the merger as a means to consolidate several companies under one roof.

As a movie aficionado, I found myself reflecting on the intriguing shift that occurred when WarnerMedia, boasting its powerhouses HBO and Turner networks, was under the ownership of AT&T. At that point in time, it seemed as if AT&T was eager to disentangle itself from Tinseltown, having hemorrhaged vast sums of money due to costly acquisitions.

however, Wall Street’s enthusiasm for the merger that combined close to two dozen basic cable networks such as HGTV and Food Network with the high-end assets of HBO and Warner Bros. studios in Burbank soon waned.

After AT&T sold to Discovery, Zaslav’s firm found itself burdened with over $40 billion in debt. Moreover, investors are not optimistic about cable networks because the move towards streaming services has caused a massive exodus of viewers from traditional channels.

Hollywood Inc.

The action consolidates the renowned film production studio, the esteemed television division (HBO and HBO Max), and DC Studios under one unified brand named Streaming & Entertainment Production.

Key figures joining Zaslav at Warner Bros. are: Casey Bloys, who heads HBO; Channing Dungey, chair of Warner Bros. TV Group; co-chairpersons Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca in the film division; James Gunn and Peter Safran, leaders in DC Studios; JB Perrette, head of streaming and gaming; Bruce Campbell as COO; and Robert Gibbs, communications chief.

The team at Discovery Global will be expanded to include Mark Thompson, who serves as Chairman of CNN; Luis Silberwasser, Chairman of TNT Sports; Gerhard Zeiler in his role as head of international operations; Ryan Gould as U.S. Ad Sales President; and Anil Jhingan, the Chief Development Officer.

Hollywood Inc.

Last year, our CEO, David Zaslav, received a compensation package worth approximately $51.9 million. As shareholders, we have the opportunity to express approval or disapproval regarding executive remuneration; however, it’s important to note that these votes do not carry legally binding power.

In anticipation of Discovery Global’s debut, we are more excited than ever about the prospects in store, boosted by our strong collection of cherished brands and content, our global reach encompassing adults, children, and families, and now, a seasoned and skilled executive team,” Wiedenfels stated.

Warner Bros is currently seeking both a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief People Officer, while Wiedenfels intends to bring on board a senior-level Communications and Public Affairs Officer.

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2025-07-28 21:31

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