From what we've seen, there is more value in numbers and profit.

Many people have fought to have their voices heard and see themselves through the media, and this merger took a lot of that away in a single month.įrom the outside, it really seems like Zaslav and his team at WBD do not care about the viewer or the entertainment they are producing. Sure, Zaslav is making a lot of decisions to save cost and claim a tax break for the cost associated with certain shows, but the elimination of diversity in content and the offices is harmful in the world of entertainment. With a mostly white staff creating the content for WBD, Zaslav’s goal will be easier to obtain. What that means is that Zaslav is trying to create content that appeals to the homogenous, Middle American audience that rejects liberal or highly diverse content. Zaslav quickly became public enemy number one as he began axing content and eliminating streaming services like CNN+, vowing to appeal to a broader audience and steer clear of “advocacy” journalism.ĬNN media correspondent and host Brian Stelter, who has become a frequent target of right-wing criticism, was fired from the network to appeal to Zaslav’s plan of “reshaping the ideological perception of Warner properties.” emerge from its $50 billion debt by implementing new company values during the two companies’ merger. Zaslav was in charge of helping Warner Bros. 'Euphoria' Credit: HBO/A24 The shift in company values A former HBO Max staffer told the Daily Beast that there are barely any non-white people left in the upper ranks of content after the layoffs started, which has “amplified that lack of diversity at HBO.” The platform has laid off close to 70 people in a month, including the teams that oversee unscripted, kids and family, and international content.Īs many as 13 people of color who were previously in charge of developing shows with diversity have been let go. The ongoing cancellations and limiting diverse content that has been going on throughout August have allowed us to look closely at what is really happening at HBO.Ī former HBO Max executive told the Daily Beast that the streaming service has been left with few people of color to oversee its diverse slate of programming. The new leadership at WBD is reshaping the company’s values to reflect what it believes the viewer wants-entertainment for 'everyone.' HBO Max and the viewers are caught in a hailstorm of HBO’s and WBD’s creation, and the situation is getting worse. With shows like The Gordita Chronicles, the Afro-Latina led Batgirl, and the Spanish-language docuseries Menudo: Forever Young being canceled despite their critical acclaim and fan excitement, the company's new leadership has made it clear that they are scaling back on the diverse slate of programming. Discovery continues its ongoing corporate reshuffling, more and more people have started to worry about the future of the media giant. Discovery is trying to reduce its debt, but reducing diversity to appeal to Middle America isn't the way to do that.Īs Warner Bros.

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