A crucial hearing is unfolding in Washington this Tuesday, a debate that extends far beyond the glitz of Hollywood and strikes at the heart of American jobs, media control, and national security. Were Ronald Reagan alive today, he would undoubtedly urge every citizen to pay close attention.
Reagan understood a fundamental truth: culture and storytelling are potent weapons. Adversaries exploit them to erode the foundations of free societies, subtly weakening them from within. Lawmakers now face a pivotal decision – will they empower American companies like Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery to thrive, or inadvertently cripple them as foreign powers aggressively expand their cultural influence?
This isn’t simply about entertainment; it’s about shaping public opinion, projecting American values onto the global stage, and providing a vital counter-narrative to authoritarian propaganda. When American media companies falter, a dangerous void emerges, quickly filled by those with opposing agendas – particularly China.
The debate centers on the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that transcends a typical corporate transaction. It’s a direct challenge to America’s ability to compete in a modern information war, impacting countless American jobs and the future of American filmmaking.
For over a century, American films and television have served as ambassadors of freedom, creativity, and open expression, projecting these values worldwide. This cultural influence has been a cornerstone of American strategic advantage, but today, that advantage is facing a serious threat.
The entertainment industry isn’t just about stars and studios; it’s a powerful economic engine supporting hundreds of thousands of middle-class jobs. From writers and actors to camera crews and engineers, these opportunities are spread across states like California, Georgia, and New Jersey, bolstering local economies and communities.
Consider Netflix’s recent $1 billion investment in a new production studio at the former Fort Monmouth Army base in New Jersey. This project promises over 5,000 high-paying American jobs, transforming a decommissioned military site into a hub of innovation and employment – a testament to the power of scale and long-term investment.
Streaming is a capital-intensive endeavor. Weakened or fragmented companies struggle to maintain production levels, leading to shrinking opportunities and inevitable layoffs. Scale provides stability, and stability safeguards – and creates – jobs. A stronger, combined Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery would be better positioned to consistently invest in American production.
Hollywood is more than an industry; it’s a strategic national asset. American movies and television reach a global audience far exceeding any government program or diplomatic effort. They shape perceptions of the United States and serve as a powerful bulwark against authoritarian narratives.
China understands this dynamic intimately, which is why it maintains strict control over its domestic media and invests heavily in state-backed platforms abroad. The consequences of this control are already visible. The blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick” was denied release in China – not due to violence or offensive content, but because of a small Taiwanese flag on Tom Cruise’s jacket.
This seemingly minor detail sent a clear message: access to the Chinese market demands political compliance and self-censorship. It’s a stark reminder of the price of access and the erosion of artistic freedom. Ronald Reagan recognized this struggle decades ago, understanding the power of storytelling and the threat of foreign influence over American media.
He warned that freedom is never guaranteed, requiring constant vigilance and protection. Protecting American cultural leadership was a defining principle of his presidency, a lesson that resonates with urgent relevance today. Beyond the corporate implications, there are growing concerns about foreign money infiltrating the American media landscape, posing significant national security risks.
Some proposals would consolidate the industry from five major studios to four, concentrating power and potentially driving up costs for consumers. Even more concerning, some proposed takeovers are reportedly backed by a staggering $24 billion from foreign governments, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
This isn’t philanthropy; it’s a calculated investment aimed at gaining leverage, influencing narratives, and shaping public perception. Foreign governments don’t invest billions in American media for altruistic reasons – it’s a direct threat to national security. Influence is power, and a weakened American media landscape will inevitably be filled by content shaped by authoritarian regimes.
While critical of certain programming decisions made by Netflix in the past, this position isn’t about defending a specific corporation. It’s about safeguarding American workers, fostering American creativity, and protecting America’s strategic interests at a time when cultural influence and national security are inextricably linked. This merger doesn’t stifle competition; it empowers an American company to compete effectively against both Big Tech and state-backed foreign entities.
Ronald Reagan understood that cultural influence *is* national power. That truth remains unchanged. In a world where China and other nations wield culture as a weapon, America cannot afford to weaken one of its most potent tools. This merger doesn’t just maintain that tool; it strengthens it for the challenges ahead.
