Part 8/11:
This internal chaos reflects a broader pattern in the media and streaming sectors. Warner Bros. Discovery’s divestments—such as selling Crunchyroll and potentially parts of Rooster Teeth—are part of a trend where conglomerates are retreating from direct-to-consumer platforms, preferring to focus on traditional media or monetize existing assets via licensing.
The attempt to diversify content offerings, with new channels, in-house productions, and multiple niche services like Funimation, High Dive, and Verve, has led to fragmentation with diminishing returns. Companies invested heavily in the streaming wars, but many are now pulling back, closing offices, and laying off staff—often after failing to meet subscriber and revenue targets.