USA: Fox, Warner & ESPN OTT platform project to be examined by Department of Justice (press)

The plan to create a joint streaming platform between pay-TV group ESPN (The Walt Disney Company), US free and pay-TV group Fox and media and entertainment conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery in the United States will be examined by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) "once it is finalised," according to the US business and financial news website Bloomberg on 15/02/2024.

The DOJ is concerned that the platform could harm consumers, sports leagues and competitors, according to Bloomberg. ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery have reached an agreement to create a joint venture to launch a common sports streaming platform for the three groups in the United States, on 06/02/2024.

This new streaming service, due to launch in "autumn 2024", will bring together the sports rights portfolios of the three groups. The sports channels and certain DtoC platforms will also be available. The joint venture is expected to be equally owned by the three groups, who will also have equal representation on the board of directors. The joint venture will also include its own brand and an independent management…