Category: Azer News

Netflix’s effort to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is facing unexpectedly strong resistance and growing political scrutiny, as a hostile bid from Paramount Skydance and the involvement of former U.S. President Donald Trump place the merger at the center of a high-profile national debate, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, announced on Monday that it would offer $30 per share for WBD, criticizing Netflix’s $27.75-per-share deal unveiled on December 5 as offering ‘inferior and uncertain value.’ Paramount Skydance claims its bid would provide shareholders an additional $18 billion over Netflix’s proposal and offer a smoother regulatory path. The company also stated that its acquisition would strengthen Hollywood’s production ecosystem, reinforce theatrical releases, and boost competition across the entertainment industry.

Based on Paramount Skydance’s offer, the total value of the all-cash deal would reach $108.4 billion, compared with Netflix’s $82.7 billion cash-and-stock package. Unlike Netflix’s plan-which involves WBD’s film studio and streaming service while spinning off Discovery Global, the company’s Global Networks division, into a new publicly traded company-Paramount Skydance’s bid covers the entirety of WBD.

Paramount said it had submitted six acquisition proposals to WBD over the past 12 weeks but received no meaningful response, prompting it to bring the offer directly to shareholders. According to a Forbes report, the hostile bid is backed by the Ellison family, RedBird Capital, sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, and Jared Kushner, former President Trump’s son-in-law. Regulatory filings indicate that Kushner’s Affinity Partners has committed an unspecified amount of equity financing to the deal.

Following the announcement of the Netflix-WBD merger plan, U.S. entertainment analysts warned that antitrust concerns and political factors could delay final approval for years and potentially disrupt the broader industry. Hollywood unions have already voiced concerns over potential job losses and higher consumer prices in an industry still recovering from strikes and the COVID-19 downturn, a sentiment echoed by lawmakers from both parties.

Paramount Skydance’s aggressive approach, combined with Trump’s direct involvement, has turned what might have been a routine regulatory review into a high-stakes political and corporate showdown. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have described a Paramount Skydance-WBD merger as a potential antitrust ‘five-alarm fire,’ raising alarms over political favoritism and foreign influence.

Michael Tiberi, executive producer of Swallowtail and Dragonfly, told Xinhua, ‘If the president doesn’t voluntarily recuse himself from a deal his own family is involved in, this could be a very long and bloody legal battle.’

Trump, meanwhile, expressed uncertainty about the Netflix deal on Sunday, warning that the combined market share of Netflix and HBO ‘could be a problem,’ and said he planned to ‘be involved’ in the regulatory process-an unusual declaration signaling a potentially protracted and politically charged review. At the same time, he praised Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and avoided directly criticizing the company’s merger plan.

The situation intensified Monday morning when Paramount launched its bid directly to WBD shareholders. Minutes later, Trump criticized Paramount Skydance and Ellison for allowing 60 Minutes to interview Trump’s former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene. Observers say it remains difficult to predict how Trump will navigate the emerging clash between Ellison and Sarandos, who also has cultivated ties with the former president, including a dinner at Mar-a-Lago and a subsequent Oval Office meeting last month. Trump later confirmed the meeting and praised Sarandos as a visionary leader, while reiterating antitrust concerns about Netflix’s growing market position.

Netflix, the global streaming leader, reported 301.63 million subscribers in its most recent filing. WBD’s HBO Max ranks fourth with 128 million subscribers. Netflix argues that competition from YouTube, TikTok, and other global platforms prevents market dominance, and said its $5.8 billion breakup fee-which it would pay to WBD if the acquisition fails regulatory approval-demonstrates confidence in the deal’s approval.

The current showdown recalls 2016, when Trump opposed the AT and T-Time Warner merger, arguing that HBO and its parent company wielded excessive influence-a dispute that foreshadowed his readiness to weigh in on major media deals and link regulatory decisions with personal grievances. Influential MAGA figures, including Steve Bannon and Matt Gaetz, quickly echoed Trump’s concerns and urged him to block the Netflix-WBD merger.

WBD’s board said it would review Paramount’s offer but reaffirmed its endorsement of Netflix’s bid, advising shareholders to ‘take no action.’ Netflix expects the merger with WBD to take 12 to 18 months, depending on regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Market reactions on Monday reflected the ongoing turmoil: Paramount shares rose 9.02%, WBD climbed 4.41%, and Netflix slipped 3.44%, highlighting investor uncertainty amid what may become one of the most closely watched media mergers in recent history.

On December 8, 2025, “The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance,” an innovative book project commissioned by the Garabagh Revival Fund, was officially presented, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by state and government officials, members of the Azerbaijani Parliament, family members of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, participants of the Garabagh War, donors and partners of the Fund, as well as media representatives.

The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Motherland.

Delivering the opening speech, Chairman of the Board of the Garabagh Revival Fund Rahman Hajiyev provided extensive information about the significance and preparation process of the book “The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance.”

It was noted that this book broadly highlights the history of Garabagh, the period of occupation, its liberation, the reconstruction process, and its outlook for the future by incorporating texts, photographs, as well as interviews with officials, state representatives, experts, and the memories of people displaced from their native lands:

“Covering nearly 500 pages, ‘The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance’ is not merely a book – it is a chronicle enriched with texts, photographs, and interactive digital materials that brings Garabagh’s revival story to life in all its colors before the reader.”

It was emphasized that the book is part of a special digital ecosystem created within the project.

Thus, through hundreds of QR codes placed throughout the book, readers can access materials on the website www.book.revival.az and other online resources, view extended photo galleries, full video and text versions of exclusive interviews, historical literature, and other materials.

At the same time, by visiting the online store available at https://book.revival.az/estore/ and making a donation to the Fund, it is possible to obtain the book in any desired quantity and in various editions (including Classic, Prestige, and Signature Collection).

The “Victory AI” artificial-intelligence-based guide, created in the form of a Phoenix bird and included in the ecosystem, provides readers with extensive information about the book’s content and, more broadly, about the history of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, the period of occupation, and the ongoing revival.

These features take the publication beyond the classical definition of a book, transforming it into an innovative, dynamic, and interactive project adapted to the reading preferences of modern generations.

Stating that Garabagh has transformed from a conflict zone into a region of peace and revival, Rahman Hajiyev noted that the purpose of preparing the book is to bring to the attention of the international community the truths about Karabakh, the large-scale reconstruction and development works carried out in the liberated territories under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and Azerbaijan’s efforts toward ensuring lasting peace in the region.

Afterwards, the video presentation of “The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance” and the video titled “From Tragedy to Victory”, reflecting the reconstruction and revival of the liberated territories, were shown. The event continued with a Q and A session with the author. Moderated by Gultakin Qaradagli, British writer Graham Wilson answered numerous questions.

During the event, MP and member of the Supervisory Board of the Garabagh Revival Fund Tural Ganjaliyev, MP Rizvan Nabiyev, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Revan Hasanov, founder and CEO of Veys?loglu Group Aydin Talibov, and other speakers noted the importance of the book and expressed their confidence that it would make a significant contribution to conveying the truths about the events in Garabagh, the reconstruction and redevelopment works carried out in the liberated territories under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, and Azerbaijan’s efforts toward establishing lasting peace in the region to an international audience.

At the end of the event, “Iteca Caspian” and “Caspian Event Organisers” companies, which donated 28,500 AZN to support the reconstruction of Garabagh and received the book “The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance”, as well as PASHA Capital Investment Company, which donated 10,000 AZN and received the book, were presented with “Donation Certificates” on behalf of the Fund.

It should be noted that all event participants were presented with three books authored by Graham Wilson on behalf of the Garabagh Revival Fund and the author himself: “Ilham Aliyev: A Portrait of a President,” “The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan,” and “Azerbaijan Democratic Republic: A Dream That Never Died.”

We would also like to remind that those wishing to obtain the book “The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance” may visit the online store at https://book.revival.az/estore/, select their preferred edition, and receive the book by making a donation to the Garabagh Revival Fund.

The book will soon be translated into Azerbaijani and several foreign languages.

During the event, the exhibition “The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance”, organized based on the photographs featured in the book and showcasing the reconstruction and redevelopment works carried out in the liberated territories, as well as the rich nature and rare flora and fauna of Garabagh, was also presented.

The “Mara’ee 2025” event held in the Kingdom of Bahrain stood out as a remarkable occasion that brought together the country’s ancient traditions, historical farming culture, and modern outlook, Azernews reports.

The word “Mara’ee” means pasture and vast living spaces, reflecting the rhythm of life, work culture, and community unity that have shaped Bahraini society over centuries. The festival is not limited to preserving national values and showcasing rich traditions; it also serves as a significant platform that strengthens intercultural ties in the region and attracts international attention.

On this prestigious stage, the program presented by the Azerbaijani delegation became one of the festival’s brightest highlights.

According to the State Border Service (SBS) press center, the performances, featuring skilled horsemen, an orchestra distinguished by elegance and stage culture, and dance groups embodying every detail of national color were prepared under a unified concept. The result was an aesthetic and dynamic composition that drew great interest. These performances reflected the professionalism of the special ensembles operating within the cultural and creative sphere of the Azerbaijan State Border Service as well as their mission to represent the country with dignity on the international stage.

The complementary stage numbers were praised for their content, energy, and emotional impact, and were recognized as one of the longest and most memorable programs of the event.

This year’s festival was attended by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, who expressed his special gratitude to the Azerbaijani delegation and shared his positive impressions of the program.

The successful presentation of the Azerbaijani delegation at “Mara’ee 2025” added another valuable contribution to the high-level promotion of the nation’s culture, professional ensembles, and national values on the international arena.

During her visit to Turkmenistan, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the performance of the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group in Turkmenbashi on December 9 and visited an exhibition dedicated to Turkmen national cuisine.

The ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group, which preserves Turkmenistan’s ancient equestrian traditions, national culture, and folklore, showcased a rich cultural heritage to the guests.

Vice-President Leyla Aliyeva then toured the exhibition on Turkmen national cuisine, where detailed information about its traditions was presented.

The event was accompanied by musical performances and dance group numbers.

The “Asset Integrity and Corrosion and Coatings Conference” opened this week, bringing together more than 500 delegates from over 20 countries, including leading industry experts, company executives, and global technology providers, Azernews reports.

The event focuses on the latest developments in asset integrity management, corrosion mitigation, and protective coating technologies – areas increasingly vital to the energy sector’s future.

Speaking at the opening session, Deputy Vice President of SOCAR and Executive Director of SOCAR Midstream Gas Operation highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining existing infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

He stressed that proper integrity management not only prevents incidents but also extends the lifespan of assets, reducing the need for new construction.

Maintains of existing infrastructure is not only about the cost, it is about the responsible use of materials and minimizing environmental impact.

The speaker added that each industrial project consumes significant natural resources, and maintaining current systems is essential for sustainability across the entire value chain: “Our aim in integrity management is to ensure sustainability.”

Corrosion – described as a growing global threat – was another priority topic. The SOCAR representative emphasized that the challenge extends beyond the oil and gas sector and will remain significant even as companies transition to new energy systems.

“Corrosion causes economic losses and environmental damage, and improving our protective coatings is crucial. Though we have to concentrate on improving the coatings applied to our systems to prevent further corrosion. Of course, the industry also needs to advance new technologies,” he said.

The conference features two main tracks: the Asset Integrity Conference and the Corrosion and Coatings Conference. The programme includes more than 50 technical sessions, several panel discussions, and extensive networking opportunities aimed at encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Over 50 speakers are delivering presentations, while more than 25 companies are showcasing advanced technological solutions. The event plays a key role in aligning regional industry practices with international standards, supporting safer, more efficient, and more sustainable infrastructure management across the energy sector.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev completed his official visit to the Slovak Republic on December 9.

A guard of honor was lined up for the President of Azerbaijan at Bratislava’s Milan Štefánik International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev was seen off by Peter Vodráška, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of the Slovak Republic, and other officials.

Kazakhstan is preparing to unveil the final conclusions on the tragic crash of an AZAL Embraer-190 near Aktau, but officials say the report will only be published after two foreign laboratories complete their examinations, Azernews reports.

This was confirmed by Kazakh media with reference to the Ministry of Transport, which emphasized that the external analyses are a mandatory component of the investigation’s final stage.

Under ICAO requirements, the final report on an air accident must be released within 12 months from the date of the incident, meaning the authorities are nearing the deadline for the December 2024 crash.

The Embraer-190 went down near the port of Aktau on December 25, 2024, with 67 people on board. Thirty-eight passengers, including six Kazakh citizens, lost their lives.

Beyond the human toll, the incident generated diplomatic strain between Azerbaijan and Russia, as the aircraft was reported to have been damaged while crossing Russian airspace, prompting questions and concerns that remain part of the ongoing review.

The Women’s Creative Forum was held in Baku as part of the ongoing ‘OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week 2025’, organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Azernews reports that the forum was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Women’s Development Organisation (WDO) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Association for the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan (AQSIA), and the Creative Azerbaijan platform.

The forum was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Smeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the KADEM Foundation; Afnan Al-Shuaibi, Director-General of the WDO; as well as female innovators and entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, Bahrain and Uzbekistan.

In her opening address, WDO Director-General Afnan Al-Shuaibi expressed her gratitude to the organisers. She noted that women play an important role in the formation of a knowledge-based society: ‘This is an indicator of development and progress. Our main mission is to enable women to discover and realise their potential. Women make a great contribution to the development of society as both entrepreneurs and cultural innovators. We are ready to mobilise all our resources to support women’s advancement, promote their work and help them implement their creative projects.’

Smeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the KADEM Foundation, emphasised that women are not latecomers to creative fields but form their very essence. ‘The values created by women are passed down from generation to generation. The art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan is one of the most beautiful examples of this. Similarly, Iznik and Ktahya ceramics and other artistic traditions were shaped by the creative spirit, craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of women. Turkish motifs and their expression in art clearly demonstrate the role of women in these fields throughout history,’ she added.

Sakina Babayeva, Chairwoman of the Board of the Association for the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, stated that the forum is an ideal platform for discussing opportunities and future prospects for women in the creative sector. ‘The state support provided in Azerbaijan in this area is very significant and should be appreciated. The main goal of the forum is to identify existing gaps and to further strengthen cooperation among OIC member states in this field,’ she said.

Following the opening session, a conceptual visual composition inspired by Rumi’s saying ‘Leave the circle of time – enter the circle of love’ was presented. The illustrative section of the project was based on the works of artist Leyla Aliyeva. The visual concept was created by Honoured Artist Sabina Shikhlinskaya, with music composed by Orkhan Aghayev (DJ Pancho).

It should be noted that the Women’s Creative Forum featured discussions on topics including ‘Expanding International Trade Opportunities for Women in the Creative Industries’ and ‘The Role of Innovation, Technology and Investment in Women’s Empowerment’. Speakers highlighted the importance of supporting women-led creative enterprises, strengthening international cooperation and fostering innovation to accelerate cultural and economic transformation. The forum underscored a shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership in the creative economy, promoting sustainability and expanding international partnerships.

A discussion has been held on the subject “The Development of Technologies in the Field of Culture (Cultech) in Islamic Countries” in the framework of “OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025”, Azernews reports.

The panel session was moderated by Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Lhoucine Rhazoui.

In her speech, Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister, Saadat Yusifova, emphasized that Azerbaijan has made significant contributions to Islamic culture:

“Today, here, we are not only highlighting our cultural heritage, but also our current political, economic, and cultural partnerships. Throughout the centuries, aesthetic music, architecture, carpet weaving, and various forms of art have brought us closer to one another.”

The Deputy Culture Minister also provided information about the work being done in Azerbaijan to showcase the creative potential of young talents by applying their knowledge and skills, as well as the work done in the cultural and creative industries. It was noted that strengthening Azerbaijan’s cooperation with various countries and the projects carried out have contributed to the export of the country’s creative products and services.

President of Turkiye’s Yunus Emre Institute, Abdurrahman Ali, spoke about the activities of the institution he heads. He mentioned that the institute has been carefully following the idea of combining culture with technology for a long time:

“Today, we are gathered here to evaluate the possibilities of applying the CulTech model, which presents a new perspective at the intersection of culture and technology, in Islamic countries. The fact that this event is being held in Baku is of special significance for us. This is because Azerbaijan is one of the most dynamic countries in the region when it comes to implementing innovative digital solutions.

Culture is one of the most powerful factors that shape not only our past but also our future. This is why the CulTech approach, which we are focusing on today, is so important. CulTech means the presentation of cultural values in conjunction with technology, that is, strengthening cultural production through digitization and expanding the sharing of culture to a wider audience. When Islamic countries, with their young populations, rich cultural heritage, and rapidly developing technological infrastructure, act together in this field, the impact that will emerge will be significant both regionally and globally,” he said.

Assistant Director of the ICESCO Baku Regional Office, Maryam Gafar-Zada highlighted that the office covers the Caucasus and Central Asia regions, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. She noted that for these five countries, which have rich historical and cultural heritage, the Baku Regional Office plays an important role as a dynamic platform for cooperation and dialogue, especially as a hub for the exchange of experiences in the fields of youth, digital technologies, and creative industries.

According to her, places like the “Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries,” where creative youth gather in Baku, are considered exemplary practices for ICESCO, and there are wide opportunities for transferring this model to Central Asian countries.

Director of the Statistics and Information Department of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), Atilla Karaman, stated that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) represents 2 billion people demographically, with 1.1 billion of them under the age of 25, which makes up 51 percent of the total population:

“Around 27 percent of these young people have specific needs. These young people are neither involved in education, employment, nor any training process. If we can engage these 27 percent of youth in the labor market or in production in any way, it could significantly support the GDPs of our member countries. Another important statistic is related to the digital divide among our member countries. When we look at the countries within the organization, we see that the internet usage level reaches 99-100 percent. However, in some of our member countries, this indicator is below 20 percent. This situation is related to financial difficulties, infrastructure problems, and a lack of investment. Such a digital divide deepens the gaps between the talent potential of our member countries.

We must create a platform that combines both physical and digital events, a platform unique to the OIC, and we must be able to build a hybrid, intercultural digital learning ecosystem. As we move toward artificial intelligence in the global landscape, we propose mobility and academic bridge programs. It is essential to establish connections between universities and industries. We must propose a unique approach. By creating the best programs and selecting the most talented youth, we could send them to other OIC countries. As a result, they would be able to return to their countries after learning the best practices.”

Chairman of the Uzbekistan Creative Association (UzCA) Abduvali Khaydarov spoke about the work being done in his country in the field of cultural technologies.

The panel session continued with a Q and A session and discussions.

Kia, South Korea’s second-largest automaker, announced on Tuesday that it has launched a global promotional campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

Under the theme ‘Inspiration Connects Us All,’ the new campaign highlights the company’s commitment to fostering unity-not only between Kia and its customers, but also among people around the world-during the quadrennial global sporting event, the company said.

One of the campaign’s key initiatives is the Kia Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) program, in which 104 children aged 10 to 14 from across the globe will be selected to deliver the official match ball to referees before each World Cup match.

As part of the OMBC program, Kia has released three teaser videos featuring its global ambassador, football legend Thierry Henry. The teasers aim to build excitement and showcase the empowering role young fans will play during the tournament.

Kia also announced that 17 FIFA World Cup-themed display options will be offered to Kia owners in the lead-up to the tournament, allowing drivers to experience the spirit and energy of the event from behind the wheel.

Kia has been an official FIFA partner since 2007. Under its renewed agreement, the brand will continue providing transportation solutions, autonomous driving technologies, and future mobility services for FIFA’s global events and tournaments through 2030.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19 next year and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With a record number of participating teams and expanded venues, the tournament is expected to be the largest in World Cup history-an ideal stage for Kia’s global campaign to shine.