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UK Politicians Urge Competition Watchdog to Probe Netflix Bid for Warner Bros Discovery

By  |  January 27, 2026

A group of more than a dozen British politicians and former senior policymakers has called on the United Kingdom’s competition watchdog to open a full investigation into Netflix’s proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery.

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    According to a statement contained in a letter seen by Reuters, the signatories have urged the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to examine the deal over fears that it could entrench market power in the fast-growing streaming sector. The letter, dated January 23 and addressed to CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell, argues that the transaction “will cement an already dominant player” and could result in “a substantial lessening of competition with damaging consequences for consumers.”

    The Financial Times was the first to report the existence of the letter, per a statement from people familiar with the matter. The intervention highlights rising political pressure in the UK as regulators worldwide weigh the impact of consolidation among major media and technology companies.

    The CMA, which operates independently of government, said it could not comment on whether it would review the transaction unless a formal investigation is launched. Warner Bros Discovery and Netflix did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Related: Senate Antitrust Chair Flags Concerns Over Netflix’s Proposed Warner Deal

    Netflix’s bid has already drawn attention beyond Britain. In the United States, some members of Congress have criticized the proposed takeover, describing it as an antitrust risk for both consumers and creative workers, according to a statement reported by U.S. media. At the same time, European regulators are also expected to examine the situation. Bloomberg reported last week that the European Union’s competition authorities are preparing to scrutinize rival bids for Warner Bros Discovery from Netflix and from Paramount Skydance, setting up a rare parallel review of competing offers.

    The letter to the CMA was signed by several prominent figures with experience in government and the media sector. Among them are Chris Smith, Oliver Dowden and Karen Bradley, all former secretaries of state for culture, media and sport, as well as Tony Hall, who previously served as director-general of the BBC.

    Other signatories include Guy Black, chair of the News Media Association and deputy chair of Telegraph Media Group, and Tina Stowell, the former leader of the House of Lords. According to a statement referenced in the correspondence, the group believes a detailed competition review is necessary to protect consumer choice and ensure a fair marketplace in the streaming industry.

    Source: Reuters