Hollywood
Trump explodes at Netflix, demands Susan Rice ouster as $83B merger hangs in the balance
Fiery ultimatum shakes streaming giant as politics collides with blockbuster Warner deal
NEW YORK: Donald Trump has called on Netflix to dismiss former UN Ambassador and board member Susan Rice immediately. His ultimatum arrives as the streaming company seeks to finalise an $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s studios and streaming platforms.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Rice as a “political hack.” He warned the company to remove her or “pay the consequences,” though he did not specify what those repercussions might be. He dismissed her professional standing, stating, “She’s got no talent or skills – Purely a political hack! HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK.” He concluded his post by questioning her compensation and the value she brings to the company.
The friction appears toa be rooted in Rice’s recent comments during an interview on Preet Bharara’s “Stay Tuned with Preet” podcast. During the discussion, Rice suggested that a Democratic victory in the midterm elections would bring an “accountability agenda” for corporations that she believes bypassed regulations during the Trump administration. She stated that if these corporations think the Democrats will “play by the old rules” or forgive them for policies and principles violated, “I think they’ve got another thing coming.”
The scale of the $83 billion acquisition would represent a monumental shift in the media landscape, bringing together assets such as CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros. Studios under the Netflix umbrella. While the political rhetoric intensifies, Netflix has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding president’s statements or the future of Rice’s position on its board. Industry analysts are now watching closely to see if these political tensions will influence the regulatory approval process required for such a significant merger.
Hollywood
Disney unifies streaming, film, TV and games under Dana Walden
Debra O’Connell to chair Disney Entertainment Television in new setup
LOS ANGELES: The Walt Disney Company is pressing play on a more tightly woven future. As audiences hop between cinema screens, streaming apps and game worlds, the media giant is stitching its storytelling arms into one coordinated machine under Dana Walden.
Set to take charge as president and chief creative officer on March 18, Walden will oversee a newly unified Disney Entertainment structure that brings together streaming, film, television and the company’s fast-expanding games and digital business. She will report directly to incoming chief executive officer Josh D’Amaro.
The thinking is simple. Whether viewers are watching on Disney+, heading to the cinema or diving into a game, Disney wants the experience to feel like chapters of the same story. Walden summed it up as strengthening the emotional thread between Disney’s characters and its audiences, wherever they choose to engage.
The leadership reshuffle reads like a carefully cast ensemble. Alan Bergman continues as chairman of Disney Entertainment, studios, steering film production, marketing and distribution while sharing oversight of direct to consumer.
Streaming gets a dual command. Joe Earley and Adam Smith step in as co-presidents of direct to consumer, jointly handling strategy and financial performance across Disney+ and Hulu. Earley will also guide content strategy, while Smith retains his role as chief product and technology officer across Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
A new chair enters the frame with Debra O’Connell taking on the role of chairman, Disney Entertainment Television. She will oversee an expansive slate that includes ABC Entertainment, National Geographic and Hulu Originals, while continuing to supervise ABC News and owned stations.
Gaming, once a side quest, is now a central storyline. Sean Shoptaw, executive vice president, games and digital entertainment, moves into the Disney Entertainment fold. His remit includes partnerships such as the collaboration with Epic Games, aimed at building a Disney universe linked to Fortnite.
Elsewhere, John Landgraf remains chairman of FX, reporting to Walden, while Asad Ayaz continues as chief marketing and brand officer, reporting to both D’Amaro and Walden.
The message behind the reshuffle is clear. Disney is no longer thinking in silos of screens but in stories that travel. And with Walden at the creative helm, the company is betting that a single, seamless narrative can keep audiences hooked, whether they are watching, scrolling or playing.
