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Warner Bros Discovery to Split Streaming and Studios from Cable Networks in Major Corporate Restructuring

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Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) announced plans to divide into two separate publicly traded companies, separating its streaming and studio businesses from its declining cable television networks. This move aims to allow the streaming and studios unit—housing assets like Warner Bros, DC Studios, and HBO Max—to focus on growth without being weighed down by the struggling cable networks division that includes CNN, TNT Sports, and Bleacher Report.

The separation will be executed as a tax-free transaction expected to complete by mid-2026. CEO David Zaslav will lead the new streaming and studios company, while CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will head the networks business, which will retain up to a 20% stake in the streaming entity. The majority of WBD’s substantial $38 billion debt will remain with the cable networks company. To facilitate this, WBD secured a $17.5 billion bridge loan from J.P. Morgan.

The restructuring comes amid ongoing challenges for WBD, including heavy debt, subscriber losses in cable TV, and intense competition in streaming. Shares initially surged after the announcement but later retreated, reflecting investor concerns. Shareholder dissatisfaction was highlighted at the company’s recent annual meeting, where about 59% voted against executive pay packages.

Industry experts warn the split may not resolve WBD’s core issues and could complicate operations during the transition. Nonetheless, the move aligns with broader media trends, as companies like Comcast and Lionsgate also separate cable networks from content studios to sharpen focus and unlock shareholder value.

WBD’s streaming service, recently rebranded as HBO Max, currently has about 122 million subscribers and aims to exceed 150 million by 2026. Despite this, it remains behind competitors like Netflix and Disney+ in scale. Analysts predict continued consolidation in the cable networks space, with Comcast’s forthcoming spinoff of NBCUniversal cable networks and speculation that WBD’s networks could become acquisition targets.

The split underscores the shifting landscape of media consumption, where streaming growth contrasts with declining traditional TV viewership, forcing legacy companies to reorganize to stay competitive.

Intel Shareholders Approve CEO Compensation and Equity Incentive Plan Amid Leadership Shift

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Intel shareholders on Tuesday approved a new equity incentive plan designed to bolster stock reserves for attracting and retaining talent, as well as a $42 million stock-based compensation package for newly appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan. The vote took place during the company’s first shareholder meeting under Tan’s leadership.

Intel shares fell 1.6% in early trading, extending a 36% decline over the past year, as investors digest the company’s ongoing leadership and strategic shifts.

Tan, who succeeded Pat Gelsinger in March after the board lost confidence in his high-cost turnaround efforts, will have his compensation tied to Intel’s future stock performance. Tan has already initiated a restructuring plan, which includes flattening the corporate hierarchy, cutting excess middle management, and recalibrating Intel’s artificial intelligence roadmap.

Shareholders also approved the current board of directors, although three members did not seek re-election. Meanwhile, three shareholder proposals were rejected, including:

  • A call to reassess Intel’s operations in Israel,

  • A demand for new charitable giving transparency, and

  • A proposal to allow shareholders to act by written consent.

Tan said he plans to capitalize on Intel’s established positions in the PC and data center markets to deliver more competitive AI products, signaling a strategic refocus in an increasingly crowded chip landscape.