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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Warner Bros. Discovery

American media conglomerate formed in 2022.
American media conglomerate formed in 2022.

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. is a multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered in New York City. It includes Warner Bros. film and television studios, DC Comics, HBO, CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery+, Warner Bros. Games, and more.

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1903
Opening of Cascade Theater

In 1903, Warner Bros. founders, Sam and Albert Warner, opened their first theater called the Cascade in New Castle, Pennsylvania. This marked the beginning of their journey in the movie theater business.

1904
Founding of Duquesne Amusement & Supply Company

In 1904, Warner brothers founded the Duquesne Amusement & Supply Company in Pittsburgh to distribute films.

1907
Operation of Cascade Theatre

By 1907, Warner brothers were operating the Cascade Theatre in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

1912
Foundation of Duquesne Amusement & Supply Company

In 1912, the Warner brothers founded the Duquesne Amusement & Supply Company in Pittsburgh to distribute films. This step played a crucial role in their expansion into the film industry.

1918
Warner Bros. West Coast Studios established at 5842 Sunset Blvd.

In 1918, Warner Bros. established their West Coast Studios at 5842 Sunset Blvd, marking a significant expansion of their film production operations.

1923-04-04
Warner Bros. Pictures Founded

On April 4, 1923, Warner Bros. Pictures was formally incorporated by the Warner brothers - Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack. They started as a film studio and later expanded into various entertainment sectors like animation, television, and video games.

1924
Warner Bros. gains backing from Wall Street

In 1924, Warner Bros. gained backing from Wall Street and arranged a major loan through Goldman Sachs.

1925
Meetings with Western Electric, Bell Laboratories regarding “talking pictures.” Installed new sound equipment in newly acquired Vitagraph Studios in Brooklyn.

In 1925, Warner Bros. held meetings with Western Electric and Bell Laboratories to discuss 'talking pictures' technology. They also installed new sound equipment in the Vitagraph Studios they had recently acquired in Brooklyn.

1926-08-06
Don Juan premiere at Warners’ Theatre in New York

On August 6, 1926, the premiere of 'Don Juan' took place at Warners’ Theatre in New York, showcasing Warner Bros.' commitment to innovative film productions.

1927-10-06
Release of The Jazz Singer

On October 6th, 1927, Warner Bros. released The Jazz Singer, changing the entertainment industry forever.

1928-09-13
Warner Bros. buys more First National shares

In a bidding war with William Fox, Warner Bros. acquired more shares of First National Pictures on September 13, 1928. Jack Warner also appointed Zanuck as the manager of First National Pictures.

1929
Warner Bros. acquires Skouras Brothers Enterprises

In 1929, Warner Bros. purchased the St. Louis-based theater chain Skouras Brothers Enterprises, leading to Spyros Skouras becoming the general manager of the Warner Brothers Theater Circuit in America and turning its losses into profits.

1930-11-05
Disraeli nominated for Best Picture at 3rd Academy Awards

On November 5, 1930, the film Disraeli was nominated for Best Picture at the 3rd Academy Awards.

1931
Lewis Warner's death

In 1931, Lewis Warner, head of Warner Bros. Music, passed away from an infected wisdom tooth.

1932-11-18
Five Star Final nominated for Best Picture at 5th Academy Awards

On November 18, 1932, the film Five Star Final received a nomination for Best Picture at the 5th Academy Awards.

1933-04-03
Death of Wilson Mizner

Screenwriter Wilson Mizner, hired by Zanuck, passed away from a heart attack on April 3, 1933.

1934-03-16
42nd Street nominated for Best Picture at 6th Academy Awards

On March 16, 1934, the movie 42nd Street was nominated for Best Picture at the 6th Academy Awards.

1935
Harry Warner indicted for conspiracy to violate the Sherman Antitrust Act

In 1935, Harry Warner and six other movie studios were indicted for conspiring to violate the Sherman Antitrust Act in an attempt to monopolize St. Louis movie theaters.

1936
Murder of Philip Kauffman

Prior to US entry into World War II, Philip Kauffman, Warner Bros. German sales head, was murdered by the Nazis in Berlin in 1936. This event had an impact on Warner Bros.' involvement in producing anti-German films.

1937
Ronald Reagan signed to a new contract by Warner Bros.

In 1937, Warner Bros. signed Midwestern radio announcer Ronald Reagan to a new contract after being impressed by his performance in the film Knute Rockne, All American. This marked the beginning of Reagan's journey to becoming a top star in Hollywood.

1939
George Raft released from Warner Bros. contract

In 1939, Warner Bros. released major star George Raft from his contract due to difficulties working with other actors, particularly Humphrey Bogart. This decision led to Bogart being cast in significant roles that contributed to his rise as a top star in Hollywood.

1941
Elimination of Warner Bros. B Pictures unit

During World War II, Warner Bros. cut its film production in half in 1941, leading to the elimination of its B Pictures unit. This decision was part of the studio's focus on producing war films.

1943
Olivia de Havilland lawsuit against Warner Bros.

In 1943, Olivia de Havilland sued Warner Bros. for breach of contract after the studio attempted to prevent her from working with other film production companies. The lawsuit had significant implications for the studio's contract policies.

1944
Schlesinger's cartoon unit acquired

Warner Bros. bought Schlesinger's cartoon unit in 1944 and renamed it Warner Bros.

1949
Harry Warner emphasizes television production

In 1949, Harry Warner decided to focus on television production due to the success of television industry. However, the Federal Communications Commission did not allow Warner Bros. to pursue this direction.

1955-03-21
Warner Bros. Television unit established

On March 21, 1955, Warner Bros. was finally able to engage in television production through the successful Warner Bros. Television unit led by William T. Orr. This marked the studio's entry into television programming.

1956-05
Warner Bros. put on the market

In May 1956, the Warner Bros. announced the decision to put Warner Bros. on the market. Jack Warner orchestrated a deal to purchase 90% of the stock and eventually became the company's largest stockholder and president.

1958
Warner Bros. Records launched

In 1958, Warner Bros. launched Warner Bros. Records, initially releasing recordings made by their television stars and records based on television soundtracks.

1963
Court decision ends contracts with TV stars

In 1963, a court ruling mandated Warner Bros. to terminate contracts with their television stars and discontinue engaging them for specific series or film roles. This decision reshaped the studio's approach to talent management.

1965
Establishment of Turner Broadcasting System

Turner Broadcasting System was founded in 1965 by Ted Turner in Atlanta, Georgia. It played a significant role in the media industry and later merged with Warner Communications to form Time Warner.

1969
Dissolution of Warner Bros. Cartoons

In 1969, Warner Bros. Cartoons was dissolved as the parent company decided to cease film shorts entirely. Characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig became iconic figures for the company.

1971
Warner Bros. and Filmation agreement

In 1971, Warner Bros. and Filmation entered into an agreement to produce and distribute cartoons for film and television, with its television subsidiary handling worldwide television rights.

1973
Partnership with 20th Century Fox for The Towering Inferno

In late 1973, Warner Bros. partnered with 20th Century Fox to co-produce the film The Towering Inferno, resulting in the second-highest-grossing film of 1974 and influencing future co-productions between major studios.

1976
Acquisition of Atari, Inc.

In 1976, Warner Communications acquired video game company Atari, Inc., expanding its business ventures.

1979
Formation of Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment

In 1979, Warner formed a joint venture with American Express called Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, which later led to the ownership of popular cable channels like MTV and Nickelodeon.

1980-12-01
Robert A. Daly joins Warner Bros.

Robert A. Daly joined Warner Bros. on December 1, 1980, taking over from Ted Ashley as the chairman of the board and Co-Chief Executive Officer.

1981
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) acquires United Artists

In 1981, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) acquired United Artists, taking over the ownership of the company. This acquisition reshaped the landscape of the entertainment industry during that period.

1985
Renaming of Cable Education Network to Discovery Communications

Cable Education Network, founded in 1985, was later renamed to Discovery Communications in 1994, marking a significant development in the media and entertainment industry.

1988
End of Warner's international distribution joint venture with Columbia Pictures

In 1988, Warner concluded its international distribution partnership with Columbia Pictures, which had been operational since 1971. This decision marked a significant shift in Warner's global distribution strategy.

1989
Warner Bros. acquisition of Lorimar-Telepictures

In 1989, Warner Bros. acquired Lorimar-Telepictures and gained control of the former MGM studio lot in Culver City, expanding its studio presence.

1991
Turner Broadcasting System acquires animation studio Hanna-Barbera and the Ruby-Spears library

In 1991, Turner Broadcasting System expanded its portfolio by acquiring the renowned animation studio Hanna-Barbera and the Ruby-Spears library. This strategic move strengthened Turner's position in the animation industry.

1992
Establishment of Warner Bros. Family Entertainment

Warner Bros. Family Entertainment was established in 1992 to produce family-oriented and animated films. The label became dormant in 2009.

1993-12-22
Turner Broadcasting System acquires Castle Rock Entertainment

On December 22, 1993, Turner Broadcasting System acquired Castle Rock Entertainment, adding a prestigious production company to its assets. This acquisition brought valuable content and talent under Turner's umbrella.

1994-01-28
Turner Broadcasting System acquires New Line Cinema

In January 1994, Turner Broadcasting System acquired New Line Cinema, a significant player in the film industry. This acquisition expanded Turner's reach and influence in the entertainment business.

1995
Launch of The WB Television Network

In 1995, Warner Bros. and Tribune Company launched The WB Television Network targeting teenage viewers with popular shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville, and Charmed.

1996
Acquisition of Turner Broadcasting System by Time Warner

Time Warner acquired the Turner Broadcasting System in 1996, leading to a significant consolidation in the media sector and expanding its portfolio.

1998
75th anniversary celebration

In 1998, Warner Bros. celebrated its 75th anniversary.

1999
Resignation of Terry Semel and Robert Daly

In 1999, Terry Semel and Robert Daly resigned as studio heads after a successful career with 13 Oscar-nominated films, known for popularizing partner financing and profit sharing in film production.

2001
Formation of AOL Time Warner

AOL Time Warner was formed in 2001 through the merger of Time Warner and AOL, creating a major media conglomerate that later reverted to the Time Warner name in 2003.

2004
Warner Music Group sold to private equity group

In 2004, Time Warner sold the Warner Music Group, including Warner Bros. Records, to a private equity group led by Edgar Bronfman Jr.

2006
Formation of Warner China Film HG

In 2006, Warner Bros. collaborated with China Film Group Corporation and HG to establish Warner China Film HG for film production in Hong Kong and China, creating movies like Connected, a remake of Cellular.

2008-01-04
Warner Bros. Drops Support for HD DVD

On January 4, 2008, Warner Bros. announced the discontinuation of HD DVD format in favor of Blu-ray Disc, impacting the release of movies following Blu-ray and DVD formats.

2010-04
IMAX Corp. Partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures

In April 2010, IMAX Corp. signed an agreement with Warner Bros. Pictures to release up to 20 giant-format films by 2013, enhancing the cinematic experience.

2014-03-31
Closure of Columbia TriStar Warner Filmes de Portugal Ltda.

On February 6, 2014, the joint venture Columbia TriStar Warner Filmes de Portugal Ltda. announced its closure, effective March 31, 2014. This closure impacted the distribution of films from both Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. in Portugal.

2014-10-21
Creation of Blue Ribbon Content

On October 21, 2014, Warner Bros. established Blue Ribbon Content, a short form digital unit under Warner Bros. Animation, focusing on digital content creation.

2016-11-17
Acquisition of Machinima, Inc. by Warner Bros. Digital Networks

Warner Bros. Digital Networks acquired online video company Machinima, Inc. on November 17, 2016, expanding its digital content offerings.

2018-06
Acquisition of Time Warner by AT&T

In June 2018, AT&T acquired Time Warner, Warner Bros.' parent company, leading to the formation of WarnerMedia and subsequent changes in the company's structure.

2019-03-04
Reorganization of WarnerMedia Assets

On March 4, 2019, WarnerMedia announced a reorganization plan that involved integrating Turner Broadcasting System assets directly under Warner Bros., reshaping the company's divisions.

2019-11-13
Unveiling of Updated Warner Bros. Shield Logo

Warner Bros. revealed a modernized version of its shield logo on November 13, 2019, designed by Pentagram for the company's centennial, featuring a more versatile appearance.

2020-02-05
Launch of Warner Max Film Label

Warner Bros. and HBO Max introduced the Warner Max film label on February 5, 2020, aimed at producing mid-budget movies for the streaming service, although it was later discontinued in October 2020.

2021-05-16
AT&T considers divesting WarnerMedia to merge with Discovery

On May 16, 2021, Bloomberg News reported that AT&T was considering divesting its media subsidiary WarnerMedia and merging it with Discovery, Inc. to form a new publicly traded company. The merger would involve a Reverse Morris Trust structure with AT&T shareholders holding a 71% interest.

2021-06-01
Formation of Warner Bros. Discovery announced

On June 1, 2021, it was announced that the merged company resulting from the AT&T and Discovery merger would be known as Warner Bros. Discovery. The company aimed to combine Warner Bros.' legacy of storytelling with Discovery's innovation.

2021-12-22
European Commission approves Warner Bros. Discovery transaction

On December 22, 2021, the European Commission approved the transaction involving Warner Bros. Discovery, allowing the merger to proceed.

2022-01-05
Possible sale of The CW by WarnerMedia and Paramount Global

On January 5, 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported that WarnerMedia and Paramount Global were exploring a possible sale of The CW, with Nexstar Media Group considered a leading bidder.

2022-01-26
AT&T CEO John Stankey announces expected merger closure date

On January 26, 2022, AT&T CEO John Stankey stated that the merger was anticipated to be finalized during the second quarter of 2022.

2022-02-01
AT&T finalizes structure of merger with WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc.

On February 1, 2022, it was reported that AT&T had finalized the structure of the merger, where WarnerMedia would be spun off to AT&T's shareholders and then merge into Discovery Inc. to create a new company.

2022-02-09
United States Department of Justice approves AT&T and Discovery merger

The United States Department of Justice approved the merger between AT&T and Discovery on February 9, 2022.

2022-03-11
Discovery shareholders approve merger with AT&T

On March 11, 2022, Discovery's shareholders gave their approval for the merger with AT&T.

2022-03-14
Long-term goal of merging Discovery+ and HBO Max confirmed

On March 14, 2022, Discovery CFO confirmed that merging Discovery+ and HBO Max into a unified platform was a long-term goal post-merger.

2022-04-08
AT&T divestment of WarnerMedia and merger with Discovery Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discovery

On April 8, 2022, AT&T divested WarnerMedia to its shareholders and merged with Discovery Inc. to establish Warner Bros. Discovery. The new entity is headed by Discovery's CEO David Zaslav, marking a significant corporate restructuring in the media industry.

2022-04-11
Warner Bros. Discovery Begins Trading on Nasdaq

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. commenced trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange on April 11, 2022, under the new ticker symbol 'WBD'. This marked the start of a new era for the company as a premier standalone global media and entertainment entity.

2022-04-21
CNN+ streaming service shutdown announced by Warner Bros. Discovery

On April 21, 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery leadership announced the shutdown of CNN+'s streaming service due to incompatibility with their unified streaming service goal.

2022-04-26
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO contrasts company's streaming strategy with Netflix

On April 26, 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO contrasted the company's streaming approach with Netflix, emphasizing a balanced investment strategy and the merger's potential to reduce subscriber churn.

2022-05-11
Warner Bros. Discovery executive restructuring

On May 11, 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery reorganized its executive positions, including eliminating roles from WarnerMedia and shifting network oversight. They also announced a joint venture with BT Group for BT Sport channels.

2022-06-01
Toby Emmerich steps down as Warner Bros. Pictures head

Warner Bros. Pictures head Toby Emmerich announced his resignation on June 1, 2022, to establish a new studio with a distribution deal with Warner Bros. Pictures.

2022-08-04
Warner Bros. Discovery second-quarter earnings report

On August 4, 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery released its second-quarter earnings report, revealing revenue and losses primarily from integration and restructuring expenses.

2022-08-15
Nexstar acquires controlling interest in The CW

On August 15, 2022, Nexstar confirmed the acquisition of a 75% controlling interest in The CW, with Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount retaining ownership stakes.

2022-09-28
Zaslav denies WBD sale rumors

During a company town hall on September 28, 2022, David Zaslav addressed rumors of a possible sale of WBD, stating that the company was not for sale and had all the necessary resources for success.

2022-10-03
Nexstar acquires controlling interest in The CW

On October 3, 2022, Nexstar completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in The CW, leading to Mark Pedowitz resigning as chairman and CEO, with Dennis Miller taking over as the network's president.

2022-10-11
Warner Bros. Television Group layoffs

On October 11, 2022, Warner Bros. Television Group laid off 82 employees and eliminated 43 vacant positions as part of a restructuring that affected their unscripted and animation units.

2023-02-08
WBD amends merger plans for Discovery+ and HBO Max

On February 8, 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that WBD changed its plans to merge Discovery+ with HBO Max, with the successor of HBO Max incorporating most Discovery content while Discovery+ continues to operate.

2023-02-24
Zaslav confirms Discovery+ plans

On February 24, 2023, WBD CEO David Zaslav confirmed the change in plans regarding Discovery+, stating that the service has profitable subscribers satisfied with its offerings.

2023-06-23
TCM placed under Warner Bros. Pictures Group

On June 23, 2023, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Paul Thomas Anderson met with Warner Bros. Discovery executives, leading to the decision to place Turner Classic Movies (TCM) under Warner Bros. Pictures Group heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy to ensure the preservation of its cultural significance and programming.

2023-07-18
TNT Sports Launches in the UK & Ireland

On 18 July 2023, TNT Sports was launched in the UK & Ireland, offering exclusive live sports such as Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and more. The launch was a result of a joint venture between BT Group and Warner Bros. Discovery.

2024
Formation of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

In 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. was established as a result of a merger or reorganization involving Warner Bros. and Discovery, Inc. It marked a significant event in the entertainment industry.

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Warner Bros. Discovery
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