News Broadcasting
Discovery’s acquisition of AT&T’s WarnerMedia biz set to close in mid-2022
Mumbai: Discovery’s mega-deal to merge with AT&T’s WarnerMedia business is all set to close in mid-2022, subject to approval by Discovery stockholders and additional closing conditions.
In the latest development, Discovery has won approval from the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU) to take sole control of WarnerMedia from AT&T in the two companies’ megadeal announced last year. That move comes after Discovery chief David Zaslav said that Europe had granted unconditional anti-trust clearance to the deal.
“The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns given that, following the transaction, the combined entity would continue to face sufficient competition from other players,” said the EC, the antitrust enforcer for the European Union. “In addition, the Commission found no competition concerns stemming from the vertical and conglomerate links between the activities of the companies, since the latter would not have the ability nor the incentive to engage in foreclosure practices.”
Meanwhile, the deal’s “Reverse Morris Trust” structure has also received a favorable rating from the IRS, which means that it should come out tax-free for AT&T shareholders provided they retain the majority stake in the new company as planned.
In May 2021, AT&T and Discovery had reached a definitive agreement to combine WarnerMedia’s premium entertainment, sports, and news assets with Discovery’s leading nonfiction and international entertainment and sports businesses to create a single company. David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery was announced as the future CEO of the proposed new entity, named WarnerBros.Discovery.
AT&T houses brands like CNN, HBO, Cartoon Network, TBS, TNT, and the Warner Bros. studio. Discovery owns networks such as HGTV, Food Network, TLC, and Animal Planet. Warner Bros. Discovery will bring together leadership teams, content creators, and high-quality series and film libraries in the media business, while accelerating both companies’ plans for leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services for global consumers.
The new company will unite complementary and diverse content strengths with broad appeal — WarnerMedia’s robust studios and portfolio of iconic scripted entertainment, animation, news, and sports with Discovery’s global leadership in unscripted and international entertainment and sports.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
