For families across Alabama, movie night still matters. Whether it’s taking the kids to see the latest summer blockbuster or gathering around the TV to rewatch Christmas classics, stories are part of how we unwind, connect, and make memories together. But that experience, and the quality behind it, is at risk if Netflix is allowed to swallow Warner Bros. whole.
Working in Alabama, I’ve seen firsthand how competition keeps prices fair and quality high. I’ve worked for one of America’s top businessmen and then later launched my own business. The economic lesson is still the same – when businesses must compete for customers, consumers win with better products and lower prices. But when one company becomes too powerful, families end up paying more and getting less.
That’s exactly why the Department of Justice must block Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros., and why our U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, who serves on the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee, should aggressively question Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos during this week’s committee hearing on the merger.
The problems with this merger are simple and alarming. Netflix already dominates the streaming market, with more than 325 million subscribers worldwide – over 125 million more than its closest competitor, Amazon Prime. On the other hand, Warner Bros. is no ordinary studio; it controls HBO’s elite library, major franchises like Harry Potter and DC Comics, and enduring classics such as “Casablanca” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Combining that cultural power with Netflix’s market dominance would hand one company unprecedented control over both what Americans can watch and the price they must pay to watch it.
That kind of consolidation rarely benefits consumers. When competition disappears, prices rise and choice shrinks. We’ve already seen Netflix steadily raise subscription costs and push more advertising into its service, even as its profits have grown by the billions. If this merger goes through, prices will rise even further, and with few alternatives, consumers will be forced to pay.
Without competition, quality also suffers. Content becomes cheaper, faster, and more driven by algorithms than by storytelling. Parents are also right to worry about Netflix’s growing reliance on adult-themed and woke programming, which increasingly crowds out the kind of family-friendly content for which many households are looking. With fewer competitors, there’s less pressure to serve all audiences, and more incentive to push whatever content maximizes engagement, not values. For families, that’s a major concern when it comes to what kids are exposed to at a young age – especially with Netflix’s questionable judgment on age appropriate content for kids and their larger push around Cuties – which catered to pedophiles.
The harm wouldn’t stop with higher streaming bills. Movie theaters, especially small ones in rural Alabama, would feel the effects right away. Netflix rarely releases its movies in theaters, and if it buys Warner Bros., it could shorten or eliminate theater runs for big movies, too. That would take away a favorite rainy-day activity and put thousands of local jobs at risk. In many small towns, the movie theater isn’t just entertainment; it’s a community anchor.
Republicans have long warned against monopolies that undermine free enterprise, and this deal is no exception. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), the chairman of the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee, has raised serious antitrust concerns about the transaction. In a Jan. 22 letter to Netflix and Warner Bros. executives, Lee questioned whether the merger review process itself was being used to weaken Warner Bros. as a competitor, giving Netflix an unfair advantage regardless of whether the deal is finalized. President Donald Trump has echoed these concerns because real conservatives believe capitalism depends on competition, not corporate dominance protected by sheer size.
This isn’t about punishing success. Netflix earned its position by innovating early. But success should not become a free pass to eliminate competition and lock in permanent dominance. Antitrust laws exist to prevent exactly that scenario.
Alabama’s Britt has spoken about the importance of competition and accountability in powerful industries. As she questions the CEOs on Feb. 3, Alabama families will be watching. They deserve to know that Washington won’t allow one company to control what we watch, how much we pay, and whether local businesses can survive.
If we care about affordability, quality, and a free market that actually works, this merger should be stopped – plain and simple.
Patsy Writesman is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, conservative activist and owner of ManageHealthCareCosts.com.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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