EMERGENCY EPISODE: Netflix has just won the bidding war to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming platforms and legendary IP portfolio in an $82.7 billion deal - but what does this mean for the licensing industry?

In this urgent episode, host David Born breaks down the deal that's sending shockwaves through Hollywood and explains why no one is talking about the biggest question for the licensing industry: What happens to billion-dollar evergreen brands like Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, and DC Super Heroes when they're handed to a company with less experience managing year-round licensing programs?

David opens with a story from his time at Warner Bros. that perfectly captures why licensing is always the "little monkey on the big gorilla's back" - an afterthought in major entertainment decisions. He then walks through:

• How we got here: The timeline from Skydance's Paramount acquisition to Netflix's winning $82.7B bid
• The three scenarios: Why Netflix is the best option compared to Paramount or NBCUniversal (and why it's still risky)
• What's at stake: The massive Warner Bros. portfolio - from Harry Potter to Friends to The Flintstones
• Netflix's track record: Why they're brilliant at tentpole licensing (Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters) but untested with evergreens
• The consolidation concern: Job losses, reduced resources, and what it means for our industry
• The big questions: Theatrical releases, retailer impact, and whether Skydance will disrupt the deal

This is a 12-18 month regulatory process, and anything can happen. But one thing's certain: the licensing landscape is about to change in a massive way.

Full disclosure: David's business works with several companies discussed in this episode. All information shared is based on public knowledge and personal analysis - no confidential information is disclosed.

Don't miss Monday's holiday wrap-up episode featuring the Born to License team!

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