iWorld
Senators turn up heat on Netflix over Warner Bros takeover
CALIFORNIA: Netflix’s push to swallow Warner Bros Discovery has landed in Washington’s crosshairs. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-ceo, faced pointed questioning from U.S. senators over the company’s proposed $82.7 bn acquisition, as antitrust alarms rang loudly across Capitol Hill.
At a Senate antitrust subcommittee hearing led by Mike Lee, Sarandos appeared alongside Bruce Campbell, Warner Bros Discovery’s chief strategy officer. The mood was sceptical. Lawmakers pressed on how a tie-up of two entertainment heavyweights could tilt the industry’s balance of power.
The Senate cannot block the merger, but the scrutiny was unmistakable. Lee warned the deal could thin job prospects for writers, actors and production crews, restrict rival platforms’ access to Warner’s crown-jewel franchises and give Netflix outsized control over what reaches cinema screens.
“Netflix seeks to become the one platform to rule them all,” Lee said.
The U.S. Department of Justice is now reviewing Netflix’s offer alongside a competing hostile bid from Paramount Skydance. Warner Bros Discovery is prized for its studios, deep content library and global franchises including Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and DC Comics icons such as Batman and Superman.
Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, argues its proposal would face fewer regulatory hurdles. Warner Bros Discovery has rebuffed those bids, which would leave Paramount carrying heavy debt. Larry Ellison, David Ellison’s father, has long-standing ties with Donald Trump.
Politics hovered over the proceedings. Cory Booker asked Sarandos about Trump’s potential role after Trump said he would be involved following the deal’s announcement. Sarandos replied he was unsure whether Trump had any involvement.
Netflix has defended its market position by citing Nielsen data showing YouTube attracts more U.S. TV viewing time than any streaming rival. Sarandos argued television is a “zero-sum game,” saying time spent on YouTube or HBO Max comes at Netflix’s expense.
Regulators, however, may look past broad viewing shares and zoom in on narrower markets such as subscription streaming, where concentration could bite harder. That lens could prove decisive.
For now, the battle lines are drawn. Big media wants scale; regulators want guardrails. As streaming’s wars shift from content to consolidation, the real drama may play out not on screen, but in courtrooms and committee rooms. In the fight for Hollywood’s future, the script is still being written.
iWorld
Crocs India ropes in Rakesh Bedi for quirky new digital campaign
Veteran actor brings humour and nostalgia to brand’s latest ‘Crocshake’ film.
MUMBAI: Crocs has decided to shake things up quite literally by teaming up with veteran actor Rakesh Bedi for its latest digital campaign. The campaign, conceptualised by One Hand Clap, cleverly taps into the current wave of nostalgia and character-led content. It features Rakesh Bedi, who is currently enjoying renewed popularity after Dhurandhar, in a series of increasingly chaotic yet humorous everyday situations.
At the centre of the film is a simple handshake that spirals into a chain of unexpected twists, culminating in the fun “Crocshake.” The light-hearted narrative highlights how ordinary social moments can turn into memorable ones, perfectly aligning with Crocs’ brand ethos of individuality, comfort, and self-expression.
Crocs India country manager Manoj Juneja said the campaign reflects the brand’s desire to stay culturally relevant. “This collaboration with Rakesh Bedi blends humour, nostalgia, and contemporary trends to create content that entertains and sparks conversations,” he noted.
Rakesh Bedi added, “What I loved about this campaign was how naturally the humour came through. It takes a simple, everyday situation and turns it into something completely unexpected. It’s always exciting to be part of something audiences can instantly connect with.”
The campaign builds on Crocs India’s ongoing strategy of creating relatable, digital-first storytelling that resonates with a wide audience while staying true to the brand’s playful personality.
In a crowded footwear market, Crocs continues to stand out by keeping things fun, comfortable, and conversation-worthy proving once again that sometimes all you need is a good shake (or Crocshake) to make your mark.
