Ted Sarandos, Facing Sharp Questions at Senate Hearing on Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal, Insists It’s Good for Hollywood and Customers: ‘We Will Give Consumers More Content for Less’

Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos was in the hot seat defending the streaming giant’s $83 billion deal for Warner Bros. at a Senate hearing Tuesday, amid pointed questions from lawmakers about the threat the pact poses to competition, jobs and streaming prices.

The hearing, “Examining the Competitive Impact of the Proposed Netflix-Warner Brothers Transaction,” was called by the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), the subcommittee’s chair, opened the hearing by saying the deal raises “antitrust concerns” that warrant scrutiny. Netflix and HBO Max both offer subscription streaming services, and Netflix and Warner Bros.