Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) CEO David Zaslav expressed optimism on Thursday about a more favorable climate for industry deals and consolidation under the incoming administration of Donald Trump, who secured the U.S. presidency in Wednesday’s election, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Speaking to investors following Warner Bros Discovery’s quarterly earnings release, Zaslav suggested that Trump’s election could pave the way for policies conducive to media industry growth. “That would provide real positive and accelerated impact on this industry that’s needed,” he said, referring to the possibility of relaxed regulatory constraints that could spur mergers and acquisitions.
Zaslav’s comments reflect a belief shared by some media executives that a Trump administration may prioritize policies reducing barriers to major deals, which could enable companies to scale and compete more effectively. In recent years, the media landscape has been marked by aggressive competition from tech giants and shifting viewer habits, pushing traditional media companies toward consolidation as a strategy for survival and growth.
Warner Bros Discovery, formed from the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery in 2022, has itself navigated these challenges, investing in both streaming services and content production. Zaslav’s remarks indicate that further consolidation within the media sector could help companies achieve greater economies of scale, broaden content offerings, and better address evolving consumer demands.
While Trump has historically voiced mixed opinions on large corporate mergers, his administration in 2017 was more inclined toward deregulation, a stance that many industry leaders believe could resume with his return to the White House. A loosening of antitrust regulations, analysts say, could open new doors for industry giants seeking expansion through acquisition.
As Warner Bros Discovery and other companies navigate the shifting regulatory landscape, the Trump administration’s approach to the media and tech industries will be closely watched, especially by companies seeking strategic alliances and mergers.
