The International Documentary Association (IDA) has expressed strong concerns about the recent agreement between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), warning that the deal could significantly harm the future of documentary filmmaking.

The IDA, a non-profit group that supports documentary creators worldwide, released a statement after news emerged that Netflix had secured a winning bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The organization stated, “Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery jeopardizes the future of documentary filmmaking.”

The IDA emphasized that the merger would combine two major distributors of documentaries—Netflix and HBO Max—and argued this consolidation could immediately threaten filmmakers’ creative opportunities and their ability to share important stories. The statement also warned that the deal could reduce the variety and quality of documentaries available to audiences globally.

According to the IDA, Netflix’s increased market dominance may limit competition, restrict free expression, and decrease viewer choice. The organization urged regulators to block the acquisition, describing it as “anticompetitive.” The IDA also announced plans to join others in collective action to oppose the deal, which they believe could cause lasting harm to the documentary field.

Other industry groups, including the Producers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters, and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), have also voiced concerns about the merger. Jane Fonda, representing the Committee for the First Amendment, called the deal a “constitutional crisis” with the potential to negatively impact Hollywood.

In response, Netflix and WBD issued a joint statement saying they plan to maintain Warner Bros. current operations and build on its strengths, including continuing theatrical releases for films. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav also reassured employees, stating that Netflix intends to retain most staff, as the company does not have a motion picture studio or a large gaming business, making the merger a good fit for employees.

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