David Zaslav's Comments On Streaming Suggest The New Direction Studios Are Looking To Go

TV & Film

Sep 8

As the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes continue, Warner Brothers Discovery CEO David Zaslav considers returning to the concept of cable bundles, using different streaming platforms instead of channels. Zaslav explained, “As we talk to consumers, they find it difficult, and so I think one of the things that we’re going to see as we look into the future is bundling. Some of this disruption and some of these moments of what’s going to happen may activate a quicker transition to things like some of us in the content business bundling together as a way to create more value and create a better consumer experience.”

Zaslav said the strikes may contribute to a quicker transition. He recalled the old model of cable and streaming claiming that it was a “good and nourishing experience for customers.” The CEO pointed to the example of adding CNN and AMC content to Max. He also cited sports as a popular option for streaming audiences. Zaslav said that bundling content could enable Max and other streamers to charge more for their service.

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Although Zaslav and Max are facing challenges with the strikes, the CEO expressed his support for the creative professionals, “We’re a content company. We’re a storytelling company. We need to do everything we can to get people back to work, But more importantly, it’s true of creative people, but it’s true for all of us: People need to be compensated fairly, and they need to feel valued.” When the studios finally do reach a deal with the unions, it will take time for new projects to be greenlit, filmed, and released. Zaslav said his company is committed to running all of its platforms as one company and referenced the ubiquitous Barbie advertisements on Max as an example. The company is looking to revive such IPs as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, but Zaslav assured audiences that they wouldn’t risk the health of the company to achieve these goals.

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