A1–A2 Level

Vocabulary

merger — when two companies join to become one.
Example: The small shop had a merger with a bigger company.

price — how much money something costs.
Example: The price of my phone was very high.

job loss — when people lose their jobs.
Example: Job loss is difficult for families.

studio — a place where movies or TV shows are made.
Example: The studio made a new movie this year.

customer — a person who buys or uses a service.
Example: Customers want good service.

combine — to bring two things together.
Example: She combined milk and coffee to make a latte.

Article (A1–A2)

Netflix wants to buy Warner Bros. for $72 billion. Warner Bros. owns many famous movies and shows like Harry Potter and DC Comics.

If the plan is approved, the two companies will become one. Netflix and HBO Max might stay separate, or they might be combined. People may pay less because of a single subscription.

The deal may take more than a year to finish. Some groups are worried. They say a big merger like this could cause job losses and fewer movie choices.

Movie theaters are also worried. They think Netflix might not show many movies in cinemas.

Some politicians in the US want to stop the deal. They believe it could be bad for customers and the movie industry.

Comprehension Questions (A1–A2)

1. How much money will Netflix pay for Warner Bros.?

2. Why are some people worried about the merger?

3. What might happen to HBO Max and Netflix?

Personal Questions (15)

1. Do you use Netflix?

2. Have you watched any Warner Bros. movies?

3. Do you like watching movies at home?

4. Do you go to the cinema often?

5. Do you think companies should merge?

6. Would you like cheaper subscriptions?

7. Do you prefer one subscription or many?

8. Do you think big companies are good or bad?

9. Do you think job losses are a problem?

10. Which movie studios do you know?

11. Do you think Netflix makes good movies?

12. What do you watch more—movies or series?

13. Do you think movie theaters will stay important?

14. Would you pay for more streaming services?

15. What is your favorite movie right now?

Answers (A1–A2)

Comprehension

1. $72 billion.

2. They are worried about job losses and fewer movie choices.

3. They may stay separate or be combined.

B1–B2 Level

Vocabulary

merger — the joining of two companies into one organization.
Example: The merger created the biggest media company in the country.

antitrust — laws that prevent companies from becoming too powerful.
Example: The government used antitrust rules to stop the deal.

scrutiny — careful examination or investigation.
Example: The plan came under heavy scrutiny.

bundle — a group of services sold together.
Example: They offered internet and TV as a bundle.

monopoly — when one company controls an entire market.
Example: A monopoly can reduce competition.

acquisition — the process of buying another company.
Example: The acquisition surprised many people.

Article (B1–B2)

Netflix has announced a $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, the company behind major franchises like Harry Potter, DC Comics, and HBO Max. If regulators approve the merger, Netflix would gain control of one of Hollywood’s most influential studios.

Regulators are expected to place the deal under strict antitrust scrutiny, given concerns that the merger could reduce competition in both streaming and movie production. The transaction is expected to take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

It is uncertain whether Netflix and HBO Max would continue as separate platforms or be unified into a single service. Either option could lead to lower prices or new bundle deals for customers.

Critics warn that the merger could result in job losses and less content diversity. Cinema groups argue that Netflix’s business model may negatively impact theaters, even though Netflix has promised to maintain theatrical releases for Warner’s films.

Politicians from both major US political parties have expressed concerns, calling the deal potentially harmful to creativity, consumers, and local businesses.

Comprehension Questions (B1–B2)

1. Why will regulators examine the deal closely?

2. What do critics fear may happen if the merger goes through?

3. What is uncertain about the future of HBO Max and Netflix?

Personal Questions (15)

1. Do you think the merger will improve or harm the entertainment industry?

2. Should the government block big media mergers?

3. Would you prefer a single platform with all content?

4. How many streaming services do you currently use?

5. Do you think cinemas will survive long term?

6. Does Netflix have too much influence already?

7. What concerns you most about giant companies merging?

8. Would bundle pricing make you subscribe more?

9. Should streaming platforms release more films in theaters?

10. How do you choose which streaming service to pay for?

11. Does competition improve content quality?

12. Have streaming platforms changed your viewing habits?

13. Should creators worry about fewer studios controlling everything?

14. How can governments protect consumers in big mergers?

15. Would you cancel any subscriptions if Netflix and HBO combined?

Answers (B1–B2)

Comprehension

1. Because the merger may reduce competition.

2. Job losses and reduced content diversity.

3. Whether they will remain separate or be combined.

C1–C2 Level

Vocabulary

merger — a corporate combination where two entities unite under one structure.
antitrust — relating to laws that prevent market dominance and protect competition.
scrutiny — intense analysis or oversight by authorities or the public.
monopoly — exclusive control of an industry or sector by a single actor.
regulatory roadblock — resistance or obstacles from government agencies during approval processes.
consolidation — the process of centralizing power or resources into fewer companies.

Article (C1–C2)

Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery represents one of the most significant media consolidations in modern entertainment history. Warner Bros., a century-old studio and one of Hollywood’s “big five,” would bring vast intellectual property, production capabilities, and theatrical influence under Netflix’s control.

Regulators are preparing for a lengthy review, as the deal raises major antitrust concerns. The consolidation of two dominant streaming platforms, along with a major Hollywood studio, could shift the balance of power across film distribution, streaming economics, and content creation.

Analysts warn that the merger may limit creative diversity, reduce independent filmmaking opportunities, and lead to large-scale industry job losses. Cinema organizations argue that Netflix’s emphasis on streaming undermines theatrical ecosystems, even with its promise to maintain some theatrical releases for Warner titles.

Politicians across party lines have already criticized the deal, calling it a threat to competition and cultural production. Experts predict a difficult regulatory battle ahead, with the outcome likely to shape the future architecture of global entertainment markets.

Comprehension Questions (C1–C2)

1. Why are regulators concerned about the merger?

2. What cultural or economic impacts do experts warn about?

3. How might this merger reshape the global entertainment landscape?

Personal Questions (15)

1. Should any company be allowed to control both a major studio and a global streaming platform?

2. How might such consolidation affect artistic freedom?

3. Are antitrust laws strong enough for modern tech/media giants?

4. Could this merger set a dangerous precedent for media ownership?

5. What responsibilities do powerful entertainment companies have toward culture?

6. How might smaller studios adapt to such a shift in power?

7. Should governments protect cinemas from streaming-based disruption?

8. What impact could this have on global film diversity?

9. Are consumers harmed when too few companies control content?

10. Would you support stricter laws against massive media mergers?

11. How could international markets react to a Netflix–Warner consolidation?

12. Should there be global standards for regulating streaming giants?

13. Could this merger encourage other platforms to consolidate as well?

14. What are the long-term risks of reducing competition in storytelling?

15. In your view, should regulators approve or block the deal—and why?

Answers (C1–C2)

Comprehension

1. Because it could reduce competition and centralize too much power.

2. Loss of creative diversity, job reductions, and threats to the theatrical industry.

3. It could reshape control of global content, distribution, and cultural influence.

*Choose Your Level: A1-A2, B1-B2 o C1-C2.*