DOJ Expands Netflix-Warner Merger Scrutiny With Antitrust Probe

The Department of Justice has opened an antitrust inquiry into Netflix’s bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, issuing a civil investigative demand to filmmakers and producers to gather documents and sworn responses to assess whether the deal could lessen competition or create a monopoly. The CID, issued under the Antitrust Civil Process Act, sets a March 23 deadline for responses as Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders prepare to vote on the deal. Netflix says it is not a monopolist and will cooperate, while the probe adds regulatory and political pressure amid the high-stakes merger battle with Paramount.