What the Warner Bros deal could mean for streaming, cinemas and news

What the Warner Bros deal could mean for streaming, cinemas and news1 hour agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJemma Crew,Business reporterandNatalie Sherman,Business reporterGetty ImagesThe takeover of Warner Bros by Paramount Skydance could significantly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape.It has received shareholder approval but is not yet a done deal - requiring the green light from regulators. If it does go ahead, here's how it could shake up things for viewers.Streaming costs could changeParamount is planning to merge its Paramount+ service with Warner Bros' HBO Max to create what it hopes would be a must-have streaming service that can hold its own against competitors Netflix, Amazon and Disney. Viewers would be able to enjoy a broader range of content with one single subscription, from current hits such as The Pitt, to classics like Casablanca, Star Trek, Friends and the Sopranos. What it would mean for prices is less clear.Initially, analysts say it is likely that people who currently pay for both services could get a cheaper overall deal. But over time having a more compelling offer could allow Paramount to raise prices, while less competition between streamers could mean people pay more overall for their streaming subscriptions."There'd be just less competition," says Tom Harrington, a TV analyst from Enders. "The ability there would be to charge a bit more." However, Ben Barringer, head of technology research at Quilter Cheviot, says any increased costs would be limited by the rate charged by Netflix, which he calls the "price-setter in the market". But none of those changes are on the immediate horizon.Under US President Donald Trump it is expected to be "full speed ahead" for regulatory approval, says Scott Wagner, head of the antitrust practice at the law firm Bilzin Sumberg. However concern over consumer prices and harm to workers could lead state attorneys general to try to block t...