Part 7/9:
This scandal echoes long-standing industry concerns around the opacity of streaming subscriber counts. Many have suspected that companies like Disney+ and Amazon Prime count users differently—sometimes including those with free trials or bundled subscriptions—creating inflated figures that don't necessarily reflect active, paying users.
The case against Warner Brothers Discovery underscores the importance of accurate data, especially when mergers and investor confidence hinge heavily on such metrics. Misreporting can lead to legal consequences, loss of trust, and long-term damage to a company's reputation.