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 sells out ad slots for 98th Oscars broadcast
Strong demand for live events turns the Academy Awards into a global, multi-platform marketing moment
NEW YORK: Hollywood’s biggest night has also become one of advertising’s hottest tickets. Disney has sold out all advertising inventory for the 98th Oscars, underscoring the growing demand from brands eager to ride the cultural wave of major live events.
The sell-out marks the sixth consecutive live tentpole success for Disney Advertising. The streak includes last year’s 97th Oscars, the 59th Annual CMA Awards, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, signalling strong appetite among marketers for moments that bring audiences together in real time.
For advertisers, the Oscars are no longer just a single night of glitz and gold statues. Disney’s “Content Everywhere” strategy has expanded the awards show into a sprawling, multi-platform brand playground spanning linear television, streaming, social media and digital content.
“Live continues to be one of the most powerful ways for brands to connect with engaged audiences at scale, and the Oscars represent the very best of culture, creativity and community,” said Disney Advertising SVP, entertainment and streaming solutions John Campbell. He added that the company has reshaped the show’s commercial potential into a connected experience that stretches well beyond the broadcast.
Brands such as Mazda, Pfizer and Volkswagen of America are tapping into Disney’s wider ecosystem, appearing across original content segments including Know Your Movies on Hulu and Critically Acclaimed on Disney+. Partnerships also extend to social media through TikTok Pulse Premiere and to custom brand storytelling created by Disney CreativeWorks.
The result is what Disney calls the “Oscars Everywhere” approach. Rather than a few high-profile ad breaks, advertisers now find themselves woven through a series of moments before, during and after the ceremony.
These include On The Red Carpet at The Oscars, a live pre-show syndicated across major local markets and streamed nationwide, and the After the Oscars Show, which keeps the conversation going once the final award has been handed out.
This year’s sponsors include Rolex, returning for its ninth year, and Burger King, which joins the Oscars advertiser roster for the first time. Other brands in the mix include Disney Cruise Line, Dunkin’, Eli Lilly and Company, Eucerin, Intuit TurboTax, L’Oréal, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Miebo, Paris Baguette, Peacock, Starbucks, State Farm, Toyota and Verizon.
The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, reaching audiences in more than 200 territories worldwide.
