Congress drags Netflix CEO to Senate for 'woke' shows, because policing trans characters fixes antitrust better than blocking the Warner merger

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights on Tuesday, facing scrutiny over the company's proposed acquisition of a large part of Warner Bros Discovery. The hearing highlighted concerns about the deal's potential impact on consumer costs, theater experiences, and entertainment jobs. However, a significant portion of the session focused on Netflix's allegedly "woke" programming, including content featuring transgender characters. Senators from both parties expressed concerns about the deal, with some citing the potential for reduced competition and others criticizing Netflix's content as overly progressive. The hearing is part of a broader review of the proposed acquisition, which could have significant implications for the entertainment industry. As the largest streaming service, Netflix's expansion into traditional media could raise antitrust concerns, and the company's content choices have become a focal point in the cultural debate over representation and diversity.