2026 poses challenges for media, from Hollywood to journalism.

A high-stakes bidding contest between Netflix and Paramount over Warner Bros. Discovery assets and recent editorial changes at CBS News are shaping expectations for media ownership and newsroom direction in 2026.

2026 begins with major ownership and editorial questions in U.S. media. A bidding contest is underway between Netflix and Paramount over parts of Warner Bros. Discovery. CBS News drew attention after its editor-in-chief paused a 60 Minutes report late in 2025. Public media also moved forward after Congress reduced federal funding in mid-2025, with foundations and listeners providing support. Current developments: - Netflix and Paramount are competing to acquire assets from Warner Bros. Discovery; the article reports the board favored Netflix’s offer for parts of the company and rejected Paramount’s bid. - The contested assets mentioned include film studios, HBO and streaming operations, while cable-centered assets such as CNN were discussed separately in the proposals. - CBS News’ editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, pulled a 60 Minutes story at the end of 2025; CBS said the piece would air later and some staff described the decision as political. - Federal funding for public media was reduced in mid-2025, and philanthropic groups and listeners provided additional funding to help affected stations. Summary: These developments involve ownership questions that intersect with how streaming, film and news organizations are run and financed. Undetermined at this time.