In this week’s Brief: We break down the massive Netflix and Paramount fight to out-bid one another in a multibillion-dollar purchase of Warner Bros.—a move that could reshape everything in Hollywood and change how Americans engage TV and movies. Is this a death knell for movie theaters? Are the streaming wars done or just getting started? What does a deal mean for average consumers? We tackle it all!

Plus, hear our thoughts on Spotify’s annual “Wrapped” feature, updates on farmer relief packages, the latest on drug-running vessel strikes in the Caribbean, and more pressure being placed on Venezuela. And of course, we talk about the now finalized College Football Playoff bracket!

And as always, we step back to ask what all this movement—on the field, in Hollywood, in Washington, and around the globe—means for Christians trying to stay wise, steady, and hopeful in a fast-shifting culture.

Topics

• (00:00 ): Introduction
• (00:13 ): Philip Rivers' NFL comeback
• (01:58 ): Netflix and Warner Bros. deal
• (04:34 ): Paramount's competing bid
• (07:19 ): Implications for Hollywood and beyond
• (13:04 ): Streaming wars and market competition
• (22:46 ): Theater experience vs. home viewing
• (28:37 ): Spiritual reflections on media influence
• (32:32 ): Listener engagement and Spotify Wrapped
• (36:29 ): Global news and conflicts
• (39:42 ): Upcoming sports events

Resources

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Watch on Youtube! 
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:

• How a Netflix-Warner Deal Would Change Everything in Hollywood—Again - WSJ
• What Netflix Gains From Buying Warner Bros.
• CNN: Paramount goes hostile
• NYT: DealBook: Does Netflix have a chance?
• Alex Sherman on X
• Behind Paramount’s Relentless Campaign to Woo Warner Discovery and President Trump - WSJ

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

About Micah Tomasella

Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.