The future of how Americans watch movies and TV faced a high-stakes reckoning this week as Florida Senator Ashley Moody took center stage during a tense hearing on the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.
At a subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, Moody challenged the industry’s top brass on everything from soaring subscription costs to the lack of “guardrails” to protect families from objectionable content.
The hearing focused on whether allowing two of the world’s largest media entities to join forces would violate antitrust laws, which are designed to keep the market competitive and prices fair.
Moody, drawing on her background as Florida’s former Attorney General, was blunt in her assessment, questioning if the deal would leave consumers with fewer choices and higher bills. She pointedly noted that Netflix prices have doubled over the last decade, a rate that outpaces inflation, and voiced skepticism that a bigger corporation would suddenly become more budget-friendly.
RELATED: Op-Ed: Is Netflix Playing Dirty? Senator Lee Warns Of A ‘Killer’ Deal Designed To Crush Rivals
Beyond the numbers, the Florida Senator pushed for accountability regarding what is being beamed into American living rooms. She revisited past controversies over content ratings, arguing that as these platforms become more prevalent, the “vigilance” required by parents becomes an exhausting burden.
Moody called out Netflix’s handling of the “Cuties” documentary. She sparred with Sarandos over the show’s rating and the perceived lack of accountability regarding “objectionable content.”
When Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos tried to pivot to internal policies and “aspirational” goals to avoid future mishaps, Moody was quick to dismiss the talk of “wishes and prayers,” suggesting that a larger, more powerful corporation might be even less responsive to the concerns of average families.
While Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended the company’s internal policies and pricing tiers, Moody dismissed his reassurances as little more than “wishes and prayers,” signaling that the government may not be ready to rubber-stamp the creation of a new entertainment superpower just yet.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
