Netflix Antitrust Hearing Escalates into Culture-War Clash Over ‘Wokeness’
During a recent Senate hearing, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos faced intense scrutiny over the company’s planned $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming and studio assets. Lawmakers raised questions regarding potential antitrust issues, labor practices, and consumer costs. However, a notable portion of the discussion veered into culture wars, with several conservative senators accusing Netflix of promoting “wokeness” and “transgender ideology.”
Senators Criticize Netflix’s Content
Senator Eric Schmitt expressed strong disapproval, claiming Netflix has produced “the wokest content in the history of the world.” He argued that the streaming service frequently emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the expense of traditional content. Schmitt challenged the idea of endorsing the merger, questioning, “Why in the world would we give a seal of approval to make you the largest behemoth on the planet related to content?”
In response, Sarandos defended Netflix, stating it does not have a political agenda and offers a diverse range of programming for all audiences. He mentioned that users can explore an array of shows across various political perspectives.
Claims of Transgender Ideology in Children’s Programming
Senator Josh Hawley confronted Sarandos about the nature of Netflix’s content for children, asserting that a significant portion promotes “transgender ideology.” When Sarandos refuted this claim as inaccurate, Hawley insisted that “almost half” of Netflix’s children’s programming contains what he described as “highly controversial” content. However, he did not provide supporting evidence for his statistic.
Hawley’s remarks echoed a report from a right-wing organization, initially linked to the Heritage Foundation, which accused Netflix of engaging in “social engineering through entertainment.”
MAGA Influencers and Opposition to the Merger
The narrative against Netflix escalated in late December, as conservative influencers allied with the Trump administration labeled the merger as a potential “monopoly.” Benny Johnson, a MAGA podcaster, characterized the Netflix-Warner combination as a vehicle for transmitting controversial ideologies into American homes.
Senator Ted Cruz further criticized Netflix, branding it a “left-wing company.” He referenced the company’s production contract with Barack and Michelle Obama, warning that the merger could elevate Netflix’s market power in promoting a specific political viewpoint.
Netflix’s Commitment to Diverse Audiences
In defense of the company’s approach, Netflix executives have consistently expressed their interest in appealing to a wide array of political perspectives to retain subscriber loyalty. The ongoing discussions underscore the intersection of media, politics, and public opinion in an increasingly polarized environment.
