Barry Diller Expresses Interest in Acquiring CNN
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 29 2026
0mins
Should l Buy WBD?
Source: seekingalpha
- Acquisition Interest: Media mogul Barry Diller approached Warner Bros. Discovery last year regarding a potential acquisition of CNN, although no serious actions were taken, indicating his ongoing interest in the network.
- Financial Outlook: Warner Bros. disclosed that CNN's revenue is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2026, with expectations of growing to $2.2 billion by 2030, highlighting the network's profitability and market potential.
- Market Valuation: Analysts currently value CNN at approximately $4 billion, reflecting its significant position in the media landscape and potential attractiveness to investors.
- Strategic Hurdles: Warner Bros. is reluctant to divest CNN due to existing carriage agreements with cable providers and potential high tax liabilities, suggesting that the acquisition process may encounter complex legal and financial obstacles.
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Analyst Views on WBD
Wall Street analysts forecast WBD stock price to fall
14 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
9 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 27.490
Low
14.75
Averages
24.98
High
30.00
Current: 27.490
Low
14.75
Averages
24.98
High
30.00
About WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. is a global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes a portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. The Company's segments include Streaming, Studios and Global Linear Networks. The streaming segment primarily consists of its premium pay-television and streaming services. The studios segment primarily consists of the production and release of feature films for initial exhibition in theaters, production and initial licensing of television programs to third parties and its networks/streaming services, distribution of its films and television programs to various third party and internal television and streaming services, distribution through the home entertainment market (physical and digital), related consumer products and themed experience licensing, and interactive gaming. The Global Linear Networks segment primarily consists of its domestic and international television networks.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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