Just three years ago, media chief David Zaslav orchestrated the merger of Discovery and Warner Bros, calling it a 'rendezvous with destiny'. However, the recent split of Warner Bros Discovery into two companies has left many staff members frustrated. While its streaming and studios business is poised for competition with tech giants like Netflix, its legacy networks business is struggling with declining viewership.

Emarketer analyst Paul Verna described the move as a sign of a company grappling with disruption. The break-up of Warner Bros Discovery marks another milestone in the decline of the cable era, a once highly profitable industry now facing challenges from streaming services like Netflix.

David Zaslav, the chief of Warner Bros Discovery, has faced criticism for the decision to split the company. The move has been seen as an 'ugly exit tax' for shareholders, reflecting broader structural challenges in the media industry.

Zaslav, who has received significant compensation in recent years, will continue to oversee the company's more promising assets post-breakup. However, the task of reviving struggling businesses like CNN and TNT will fall to Gunnar Wiedenfels, the company's chief financial officer.

Despite some missteps, including the failed launch of a CNN streaming service, Warner Bros Discovery remains focused on adapting to the evolving media landscape. Zaslav emphasized the rapid changes in technology and consumer behavior that are reshaping the industry.

The break-up of Warner Bros Discovery could potentially lead to further deals in the media industry, with the company's streaming business becoming an attractive target for tech giants or other studios. Industry experts predict that the split may pave the way for new partnerships and mergers in the sector.