Theaters Warn Netflix-Warner Merger Could Slash Screens and Windows
Cinema United told the Senate that Netflix’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. would be economically and culturally catastrophic, forecasting fewer theatres, shorter release windows, lower revenue and jobs, and fewer films for moviegoers. They criticized Netflix’s stance on a 45-day exclusive theatrical window (shorter than the typical 90–100 days) and warned consolidation could place a single studio in control of a large share of domestic box office (potentially up to 40% if Paramount joined WB). Cinema United represents about 61,000 screens worldwide (roughly 31,000 in the U.S. and 30,000 abroad).