WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, INC., 10-Q filed on 5/9/2024
Quarterly Report
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Cover - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Apr. 25, 2024
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2024  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-34177  
Entity Registrant Name Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 35-2333914  
Entity Address, Address Line One 230 Park Avenue South  
Entity Address, City or Town New York  
Entity Address, State or Province NY  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 10003  
City Area Code 212  
Local Phone Number 548-5555  
Title of 12(b) Security Series A Common Stock  
Trading Symbol WBD  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   2,450,313,398
Entity Central Index Key 0001437107  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2024  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Revenues:    
Revenues $ 9,958 $ 10,700
Costs and expenses:    
Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization 6,058 6,685
Selling, general and administrative 2,232 2,388
Depreciation and amortization 1,888 2,058
Restructuring and other charges 35 95
Impairment and loss on dispositions 12 31
Total costs and expenses 10,225 11,257
Operating loss (267) (557)
Interest expense, net (515) (571)
Loss from equity investees, net (48) (37)
Other income (expense), net 11 (73)
Loss before income taxes (819) (1,238)
Income tax (expense) benefit (136) 178
Net loss (955) (1,060)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (7) (8)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (4) (1)
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (966) $ (1,069)
Net loss per share available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders:    
Basic (in dollars per share) $ (0.40) $ (0.44)
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ (0.40) $ (0.44)
Weighted average shares outstanding:    
Basic (in shares) 2,443 2,432
Diluted (in shares) 2,443 2,432
Distribution    
Revenues:    
Revenues $ 4,985 $ 5,163
Advertising    
Revenues:    
Revenues 2,148 2,298
Content    
Revenues:    
Revenues 2,558 2,954
Other    
Revenues:    
Revenues $ 267 $ 285
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]    
Net loss $ (955) $ (1,060)
Other comprehensive loss:    
Currency translation, net of income tax benefit of $7 and $(5) (176) 426
Pension plan and SERP liability, net of income tax benefit of $— and $(3) 0 (9)
Derivatives    
Change in net unrealized gains 13 3
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (9) (2)
Net change, net of income tax benefit of $— and $2 4 1
Comprehensive loss (1,127) (642)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (7) (8)
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (4) (1)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (1,138) $ (651)
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Currency translation    
Income tax benefit (expense), currency translation $ 7 $ (5)
Income tax benefit (expense) on defined benefit plans 0 (3)
Derivatives    
Income tax benefit (expense) $ 0 $ 2
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,976 $ 3,780
Receivables, net 6,303 6,047
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,623 4,391
Total current assets 13,902 14,218
Film and television content rights and games 20,439 21,229
Property and equipment, net 5,937 5,957
Goodwill 34,891 34,969
Intangible assets, net 36,648 38,285
Other noncurrent assets 8,002 8,099
Total assets 119,819 122,757
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 1,245 1,260
Accrued liabilities 10,288 10,368
Deferred revenues 1,993 1,924
Current portion of debt 3,430 1,780
Total current liabilities 16,956 15,332
Noncurrent portion of debt 39,148 41,889
Deferred income taxes 8,303 8,736
Other noncurrent liabilities 10,118 10,328
Total liabilities 74,525 76,285
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 15)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 179 165
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity:    
Series A common stock: $0.01 par value; 10,800 and 10,800 shares authorized; 2,679 and 2,669 shares issued; and 2,449 and 2,439 shares outstanding 27 27
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 1,200 and 1,200 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding 0 0
Additional paid-in capital 55,175 55,112
Treasury stock, at cost: 230 and 230 shares (8,244) (8,244)
Accumulated deficit (1,894) (928)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (913) (741)
Total Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity 44,151 45,226
Noncontrolling interests 964 1,081
Total equity 45,115 46,307
Total liabilities and equity $ 119,819 $ 122,757
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
shares in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock authorized (in shares) 10,800 10,800
Common stock issued (in shares) 2,679 2,669
Common stock outstanding (in shares) 2,449 2,439
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock authorized (in shares) 1,200 1,200
Preferred stock issued (in shares) 0 0
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares) 0 0
Treasury stock (in shares) 230 230
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Operating Activities    
Net loss $ (955) $ (1,060)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:    
Content rights amortization and impairment 3,827 4,723
Depreciation and amortization 1,888 2,058
Deferred income taxes (399) (669)
Share-based compensation expense 101 111
Equity in losses of equity method investee companies and cash distributions 58 62
Gain from derivative instruments, net (43) (23)
Other, net 7 97
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:    
Receivables, net (304) (486)
Film and television content rights, games, and production payables, net (2,778) (4,051)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, deferred revenues and other noncurrent liabilities (753) (1,652)
Foreign currency, prepaid expenses and other assets, net (64) 259
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities 585 (631)
Investing Activities    
Purchases of property and equipment (195) (299)
Investments in and advances to equity investments (53) (13)
Other investing activities, net 41 55
Cash used in investing activities (207) (257)
Financing Activities    
Principal repayments of term loans 0 (1,500)
Principal repayments of debt, including premiums and discounts to par value (1,047) (106)
Borrowings from debt, net of discount and issuance costs 0 1,500
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests (130) (237)
Borrowings under commercial paper program and revolving credit facility 2,200 932
Repayments under commercial paper program and revolving credit facility (2,200) (933)
Other financing activities, net (60) (88)
Cash used in financing activities (1,237) (432)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (74) 29
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (933) (1,291)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 4,319 3,930
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 3,386 $ 2,639
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022     2,660          
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 48,349 $ 47,095 $ 27 $ 54,630 $ (8,244) $ 2,205 $ (1,523) $ 1,254
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity                
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,061) (1,069)       (1,069)   8
Other comprehensive income (loss) 418 418         418  
Share-based compensation 101 101   101        
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans (53) (53)   (53)        
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (225)             (225)
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans (in shares)     6          
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans 9 9   9        
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value (3) (3)       (3)    
Other adjustments to stockholders' equity (2) (2)   (2)        
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2023     2,666          
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2023 $ 47,533 46,496 $ 27 54,685 (8,244) 1,133 (1,105) 1,037
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 2,439   2,669          
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2023 $ 46,307 45,226 $ 27 55,112 (8,244) (928) (741) 1,081
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity                
Net (loss) income available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and attributable to noncontrolling interests (959) (966)       (966)   7
Other comprehensive income (loss) (173) (172)         (172) (1)
Share-based compensation 108 108   108        
Tax settlements associated with share-based plans (53) (53)   (53)        
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (123)             (123)
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans (in shares)     10          
Issuance of stock in connection with share-based plans 30 30   30        
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments to redemption value $ (22) (22)   (22)        
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2024 2,449   2,679          
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2024 $ 45,115 $ 44,151 $ 27 $ 55,175 $ (8,244) $ (1,894) $ (913) $ 964
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DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Description of Business
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (“Warner Bros. Discovery”, “WBD”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes a differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained, including variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
These consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they reflect all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP applicable to interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or future periods. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Form 10-K”).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Segment Reporting
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance updating the disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its disclosures.
Income Taxes
In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance updating the disclosure requirements for income taxes, primarily through standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its disclosures.
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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company performed goodwill and intangible assets impairment monitoring procedures for all of its reporting units and identified no indicators of impairment or triggering events. As of October 1, 2023, the Studios reporting unit, which had headroom of 15%, and the Networks reporting unit, which had headroom of 5%, both had fair value in excess of carrying value of less than 20%. The Company will continue to monitor its reporting units for triggers that could impact recoverability of goodwill. These triggers include, but are not limited to, continued decline in the Company’s market capitalization; affiliate and sports rights renewals, including the NBA, associated with the Company’s Networks and DTC reporting units; declining levels of global GDP growth and soft advertising markets in the U.S. associated with the Company’s Networks reporting unit; content licensing trends in our Studios reporting unit; and execution risk associated with anticipated growth in the Company’s DTC reporting unit.
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RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
In connection with the completion of its merger (the “Merger”) with the WarnerMedia business (the “WarnerMedia Business”) of AT&T Inc. on April 8, 2022, the Company has announced and has taken actions to implement projects to achieve cost synergies for the Company, which includes, among other things, strategic content programming assessments, organization restructuring, facility consolidation activities, and other contract termination costs. While the Company’s restructuring efforts are ongoing, the restructuring program is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2024.
Restructuring and other charges by reportable segments and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions).
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20242023
Studios$11 $76 
Networks11 
DTC
Corporate and inter-segment eliminations11 
Total restructuring and other charges$35 $95 
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, restructuring and other charges were primarily related to organization restructuring costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, restructuring and other charges primarily included contract terminations and facility consolidation activities of $56 million, organization restructuring costs of $35 million, and other charges of $4 million.
Changes in restructuring liabilities recorded in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities by major category and by reportable segment and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions).
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-Segment EliminationsTotal
December 31, 2023$98 $202 $80 $80 $460 
Employee termination accruals, net10 11 10 37 
Other accruals— — (3)— (3)
Cash paid(47)(51)(27)(50)(175)
March 31, 2024$61 $162 $56 $40 $319 
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REVENUES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUES REVENUES
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-segment EliminationsTotal
Revenues:
Distribution$$2,797 $2,185 $(2)$4,985 
Advertising1,987 175 (18)2,148 
Content2,623 264 99 (428)2,558 
Other189 77 — 267 
Total$2,821 $5,125 $2,460 $(448)$9,958 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-segment EliminationsTotal
Revenues:
Distribution$$2,995 $2,165 $— $5,163 
Advertising2,237 103 (45)2,298 
Content3,027 245 185 (503)2,954 
Other179 104 — 285 
Total$3,212 $5,581 $2,455 $(548)$10,700 
Contract Liabilities and Contract Assets
The following table presents contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationMarch 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Contract liabilitiesDeferred revenues$1,993 $1,924 
Contract liabilitiesOther noncurrent liabilities219 160 
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, revenues of $772 million and $856 million were recognized that were included in deferred revenues as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Contract assets were not material as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Remaining Performance Obligations
As of March 31, 2024, $11,180 million of revenue is expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations under our long-term contracts. The following table presents a summary of remaining performance obligations by contract type (in millions).
Contract TypeMarch 31, 2024Duration
Distribution - fixed price or minimum guarantee$3,260 
Through 2031
Content licensing and sports sublicensing4,918 
Through 2030
Brand licensing2,215 
Through 2043
Advertising787 
Through 2027
Total$11,180 
The value of unsatisfied performance obligations disclosed above does not include: (i) contracts involving variable consideration for which revenues are recognized in accordance with the sales or usage-based royalty exception, and (ii) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, such as most advertising contracts; however for content licensing revenues, including revenues associated with the licensing of theatrical and television product for television and streaming services, the Company has included all contracts regardless of duration.
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SALES OF RECEIVABLES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Receivables [Abstract]  
SALES OF RECEIVABLES SALES OF RECEIVABLES
Revolving Receivables Program
During the second half of 2023, the Company amended its revolving receivables program to reduce the facility limit to $5,500 million and extend the program to August 2024. The outstanding portfolio of receivables derecognized from our consolidated balance sheets was $5,170 million as of March 31, 2024.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized $51 million and $33 million, respectively, in selling, general and administrative expenses, from the revolving receivables program in the consolidated statements of operations (net of non-designated derivatives in 2024). (See Note 9.)
The following table presents a summary of receivables sold (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received$3,956 $2,779 
Collections reinvested under revolving agreement(3,987)(2,845)
Net cash proceeds remitted (a)
$(31)$(66)
Net receivables sold$3,914 $2,698 
Obligations recorded (Level 3)$153 $148 
(a) Includes the collection on receivables sold but not remitted of $30 million as of March 31, 2024.
The following table presents a summary of the amounts transferred or pledged, which were held at the Company’s bankruptcy-remote consolidated subsidiary (in millions).
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Gross receivables pledged as collateral$2,900 $3,088 
Restricted cash pledged as collateral$406 $500 
Balance sheet classification:
Receivables, net$2,660 $2,780 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$406 $500 
Other noncurrent assets$240 $308 
Accounts Receivable Factoring
No amounts were sold under the Company’s factoring arrangement for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Total trade accounts receivable sold under the Company’s factoring arrangement was $72 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The impact to the consolidated statements of operations was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. This accounts receivable factoring agreement is separate and distinct from the revolving receivables program.
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CONTENT RIGHTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]  
CONTENT RIGHTS CONTENT RIGHTS
For purposes of amortization and impairment, capitalized content costs are grouped based on their predominant monetization strategy: individually or as a group. Programming rights are presented as two separate captions: licensed content and advances and live programming and advances. Live programming includes licensed sports rights and related advances. The tables below present the components of content rights (in millions).
March 31, 2024
Predominantly Monetized Individually
Predominantly Monetized as a Group
Total
Theatrical film production costs:
Released, less amortization$2,605 $— $2,605 
Completed and not released554 — 554 
In production and other976 — 976 
Television production costs:
Released, less amortization1,380 4,833 6,213 
Completed and not released615 621 1,236 
In production and other348 2,472 2,820 
Total theatrical film and television production costs$6,478 $7,926 $14,404 
Licensed content and advances, net4,631 
Live programming and advances, net2,050 
Game development costs, less amortization497 
Total film and television content rights and games21,582 
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net(1,143)
Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games$20,439 
December 31, 2023
Predominantly Monetized Individually
Predominantly Monetized as a Group
Total
Theatrical film production costs:
Released, less amortization$2,823 $— $2,823 
Completed and not released107 — 107 
In production and other1,300 — 1,300 
Television production costs:
Released, less amortization1,471 5,317 6,788 
Completed and not released380 606 986 
In production and other417 2,624 3,041 
Total theatrical film and television production costs$6,498 $8,547 $15,045 
Licensed content and advances, net4,519 
Live programming and advances, net1,943 
Game development costs, less amortization565 
Total film and television content rights and games22,072 
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net(843)
Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games$21,229 
Content amortization consisted of the following (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Predominantly monetized individually$922 $1,531 
Predominantly monetized as a group2,779 3,096 
Total content amortization$3,701 $4,627 
Content expense includes amortization, impairments, and development expense and is generally a component of costs of revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. Content and game impairments were $126 million and $96 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
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INVESTMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Investments [Abstract]  
INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS
The Company’s equity investments consisted of the following, net of investments recorded in other noncurrent liabilities (in millions).
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationOwnershipMarch 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Equity method investments:
The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LPOther noncurrent assets44%$226 $249 
nC+Other noncurrent assets32%141 142 
TNT SportsOther noncurrent assets50%101 102 
OtherOther noncurrent assets499 503 
Total equity method investments967 996 
Investments with readily determinable fair valuesOther noncurrent assets49 53 
Investments without readily determinable fair values
Other noncurrent assets(a)
428 438 
Total investments$1,444 $1,487 
(a) Investments without readily determinable fair values included $17 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively that were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Equity Method Investments
Certain of the Company’s other equity method investments are VIEs, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s maximum exposure for all of its unconsolidated VIEs, including the investment carrying values and unfunded contractual commitments made on behalf of VIEs, was approximately $689 million. The Company’s maximum estimated exposure excludes the non-contractual future funding of VIEs. The aggregate carrying values of these VIE investments were $669 million as of March 31, 2024 and $697 million as of December 31, 2023. VIE gains and losses are recorded in loss from equity investees, net on the consolidated statements of operations, and were not material for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
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DEBT
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
DEBT DEBT
The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions).
Weighted-Average
Interest Rate as of
March 31, 2024
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less
— %$— $40 
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less
4.02 %14,225 13,664 
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years
4.33 %7,107 8,607 
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years
5.11 %21,513 21,644 
Total debt42,845 43,955 
Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net(267)(286)
Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting42,578 43,669 
Current portion of debt(3,430)(1,780)
Noncurrent portion of debt$39,148 $41,889 
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company repaid in full at maturity $726 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes due February and March 2024 and completed open market repurchases for $364 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company issued $1.5 billion of 6.412% fixed rate senior notes due March 2026. After March 2024, the senior notes are redeemable at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. The proceeds were used to pay $1.5 billion of aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Company’s term loan prior to the due date of April 2025. The Company also repaid $106 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of its senior notes due February 2023.
As of March 31, 2024, all senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“Scripps Networks”), Discovery Communications, LLC (“DCL”) (to the extent it is not the primary obligor on such senior notes), and WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. (“WMH”) (to the extent it is not the primary obligor on such senior notes), except for $1.1 billion of senior notes of the legacy WarnerMedia Business assumed by the Company in connection with the Merger and $23 million of un-exchanged senior notes issued by Scripps Networks.
Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Programs
The Company has a multicurrency revolving credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) and has the capacity to borrow up to $6.0 billion under the Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”). The Company may also request additional commitments up to $1.0 billion from the lenders upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Company’s commercial paper program is supported by the Credit Facility. Borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility is effectively reduced by any outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper program. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its Credit Facility or its commercial paper program.
Credit Agreement Financial Covenants
The Revolving Credit Agreement includes financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum adjusted consolidated leverage ratio of 5.75 to 1.00 following the closing of the Merger, with step-downs to 5.00 to 1.00 and 4.50 to 1.00 upon completion of the first full quarter following the first and second anniversaries of the closing, respectively. As of March 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and there were no events of default under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate market risk and interest rate fluctuations. As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign currency forward contracts, fixed-to-fixed currency swaps, total return swaps and interest rate swaps, to hedge certain foreign currency, market value and interest rate exposures. The Company’s objective is to reduce earnings volatility by offsetting gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them. The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
There were no amounts eligible to be offset under master netting agreements as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments was determined using a market-based approach (Level 2). The following table summarizes the impact of derivative financial instruments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Fair ValueFair Value
NotionalPrepaid expenses and other current assetsOther non-
current assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesOther non-
current liabilities
NotionalPrepaid expenses and other current assetsOther non-
current assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesOther non-
current liabilities
Cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange$1,249 $24 $$34 $$1,484 $40 $$37 $
Net investment hedges: (a)
Cross-currency swaps1,361 22 13 24 1,779 23 12 42 
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps1,500 — — 1,500 — — 
No hedging designation:
Foreign exchange1,089 25 96 1,058 83 
Interest rate swaps3,250 23 — — — — — — — — 
Total return swaps420 10 — — — 395 19 — — — 
Total$113 $24 $45 $131 $90 $21 $45 $138 
(a) Excludes £400 million and £402 million of sterling notes ($506 million and $513 million equivalent at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) designated as a net investment hedge. (See Note 8.)
Derivatives Designated for Hedge Accounting
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate the foreign currency risk related to revenues, production rebates and production expenses and fixed-to-fixed cross-currency swaps to mitigate foreign currency risk associated with its British Pound Sterling denominated debt. As production spend occurs or when rebate receivables are recognized, foreign forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges are de-designated. Upon de-designation, gains and losses on these derivatives directly impact earnings in the same line as the hedged risk.
In April 2023, the Company unwound cross-currency swaps related to its Sterling debt and recognized a gain of $76 million as an adjustment to other comprehensive income. The Sterling debt was subsequently re-designated as a net investment hedge effective May 2023.
The following table presents the pre-tax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive loss (in millions).
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20242023
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign exchange - derivative adjustments
$16 $
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign exchange - distribution revenue
(1)
Foreign exchange - costs of revenues
11 
Interest rate - interest expense, net(1)
If current fair values of designated cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2024 remained static over the next twelve months, the amount the Company would reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income in the next twelve months would not be material for the current fiscal year. The maximum length of time the Company is hedging exposure to the variability in future cash flows is 31 years.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company uses fixed-to-fixed cross currency swaps to mitigate foreign currency risk associated with the net assets of non-USD functional entities.
The following table presents the pre-tax impact of derivatives designated as net investment hedges on other comprehensive loss (in millions). Other than amounts excluded from effectiveness testing, there were no other material gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Three Months Ended March 31,
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCILocation of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
2024202320242023
Cross currency swaps$25 $22 Interest expense, net$$
Euro-denominated notes (foreign denominated debt)— N/A— — 
Sterling notes (foreign denominated debt)— N/A— — 
Total$29 $27 $$
Fair Value Hedges
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company issued $1.5 billion of 6.412% fixed rate senior notes due March 2026. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge to allow the Company to mitigate the variability in the fair value of its senior notes due to fluctuations in the benchmark interest rate. Changes in the fair value of the senior note and the interest rate swap are recorded in interest expense, net.
The following table presents fair value hedge adjustments to hedged borrowings (in millions).
Carrying Amount of
Hedged Borrowings
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Hedged Borrowings
Balance Sheet LocationMarch 31, 2024December 31, 2023March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Noncurrent portion of debt$1,502 $1,502 $$
The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as fair value hedges on income, including offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged items (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt (1)
$— $(12)
(Loss) gain on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts (1)
— 12 
Total in interest expense, net$— $— 
(1) Accrued interest expense related to the hedged debt and derivative contracts is excluded from the amounts above and was not material as of March 31, 2024.
Derivatives Not Designated for Hedge Accounting
The Company has deferred compensation plans that have risk related to the fair value gains and losses on these investments and entered into total return swaps to mitigate this risk. The gains and losses associated with these swaps are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the deferred compensation investment gains and losses.
The Company is exposed to risk of secured overnight financing rate changes in connection with securitization interest paid on the receivables securitization program. To mitigate this risk, the Company entered into $3.0 billion notional of non-designated interest rate swaps. The gains and losses on these derivatives are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting securitization interest expense.
The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in selling, general and administrative expense and other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Interest rate swaps$21 $— 
Total return swaps19 18 
Total in selling, general and administrative expense40 18 
Interest rate swaps— 
Foreign exchange derivatives (8)
Total in other income (expense), net
(6)
Total$34 $21 
v3.24.1.u1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in the following three categories:
Level 1Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3Valuations derived from techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
The tables below present assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions).
  March 31, 2024
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Time depositsCash and cash equivalents$— $102 $— $102 
Equity securities:
Money market fundCash and cash equivalents— — 
Mutual fundsPrepaid expenses and other current assets44 — — 44 
Company-owned life insurance contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets— — 
Mutual fundsOther noncurrent assets234 — — 234 
Company-owned life insurance contractsOther noncurrent assets— 100 — 100 
Total$279 $203 $— $482 
Liabilities
Deferred compensation planAccrued liabilities$67 $— $— $67 
Deferred compensation planOther noncurrent liabilities652 — — 652 
Total$719 $— $— $719 
December 31, 2023
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Time depositsCash and cash equivalents$— $105 $— $105 
Equity securities:
Money market fundsCash and cash equivalents— — 
Mutual fundsPrepaid expenses and other current assets42 — — 42 
Company-owned life insurance contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets— — 
Mutual fundsOther noncurrent assets233 — — 233 
Company-owned life insurance contractsOther noncurrent assets— 97 — 97 
Total$276 $203 $— $479 
Liabilities
Deferred compensation planAccrued liabilities$67 $— $— $67 
Deferred compensation planOther noncurrent liabilities614 — — 614 
Total$681 $— $— $681 
In addition to the financial instruments listed in the tables above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and senior notes. The carrying values for such financial instruments, other than the senior notes, each approximated their fair values as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The estimated fair value of the Company’s outstanding senior notes, including accrued interest, using quoted prices from over-the-counter markets, considered Level 2 inputs, was $38.3 billion and $40.5 billion as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The Company’s derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 9, its investments with readily determinable fair value are discussed in Note 7, and the obligation for its revolving receivable program is discussed in Note 5.
v3.24.1.u1
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has various incentive plans under which performance based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”), service based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and stock options have been issued. The table below presents awards granted (in millions, except weighted-average grant price).
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
AwardsWeighted-Average Grant Price
Awards granted:
PRSUs6.1 $8.66 
RSUs51.9 $8.70 
Stock options4.1 $8.67 
The table below presents unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards and the weighted-average amortization period over which these expenses will be recognized as of March 31, 2024 (in millions, except years).
Unrecognized Compensation CostWeighted-Average Amortization Period
(years)
PRSUs$101 2.0
RSUs834 2.1
Stock options120 2.5
Total unrecognized compensation cost$1,055 
v3.24.1.u1
INCOME TAXES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
Income tax (expense) benefit was $(136) million and $178 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to an increase in pre-tax book income and the tax attribute carryforwards in jurisdictions for which no tax benefit can be recognized.
Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 reflects an effective income tax rate that differs from the federal statutory tax rate primarily attributable to the effect of foreign operations, changes in uncertain tax positions, and state and local income taxes.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company’s reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $2,150 million and $2,147 million, respectively. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to certain of the Company’s uncertain tax positions could decrease by as much as $88 million within the next twelve months as a result of ongoing audits, lapses of statutes of limitations or regulatory developments.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had accrued $616 million and $571 million, respectively, of total interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) Pillar Two Global Anti-Base Erosion (“GloBE”) model rules, issued under the OECD Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, introduce a global minimum tax of 15% applicable to multinational enterprise groups with consolidated financial statement revenue in excess of €750 million. Numerous foreign jurisdictions have already enacted tax legislation based on the GloBE rules, with some effective as early as January 1, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, we recognized a nominal income tax expense for Pillar Two GloBE minimum tax. The Company is continuously monitoring the evolving application of this legislation and assessing its potential impact on our future tax liability.
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
The following tables present supplemental information related to the consolidated financial statements (in millions).
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net, consisted of the following (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Foreign currency losses, net$(137)$(93)
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net(6)
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value(1)29 
Change in fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value(14)(68)
Gain on extinguishment of debt25 — 
Interest income60 45 
Indemnification receivable accrual90 
Other (loss) income, net
(6)
Total other income (expense), net
$11 $(73)
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Cash paid for taxes, net$118 $312 
Cash paid for interest, net867 920 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued purchases of property and equipment28 33 
Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements111 29 
Settlement of PRSU awards31 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
 March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents$2,976 $3,780 
Restricted cash - recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets (1)
410 539 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $3,386 $4,319 
(1) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 5 and Note 9.)
Earnings Per Share
The table below presents a reconciliation of net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Numerator:
Net loss$(955)$(1,060)
Less:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(7)(8)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(4)(1)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value)(4)— 
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share$(970)$(1,069)
The table below presents the details of share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Anti-dilutive share-based awards
74 62 
Supplier Finance Programs
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has confirmed $337 million and $338 million, respectively, of accrued content producer liabilities. These amounts were outstanding and unpaid by the Company and were recorded in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Currency Translation DerivativesPension Plan and SERP LiabilityAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance$(699)$18 $(60)$(741)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(176)13 — (163)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income
— (9)— (9)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(176)— (172)
Ending balance
$(875)$22 $(60)$(913)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Currency Translation DerivativesPension Plan and SERP LiabilityAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance$(1,498)$14 $(39)$(1,523)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications426 (9)420 
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income
— (2)— (2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)426 (9)418 
Ending balance
$(1,072)$15 $(48)$(1,105)
v3.24.1.u1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties. Related parties include entities that share common directorship, such as Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”), Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) and their subsidiaries (collectively the “Liberty Group”). The Company’s Board of Directors includes Dr. John Malone, who is Chairman of the Board of Liberty Global and Liberty Broadband and beneficially owns approximately 30% and 48% of the aggregate voting power with respect to the election of directors of Liberty Global and Liberty Broadband, respectively. The majority of the revenue earned from the Liberty Group relates to multi-year network distribution arrangements. Related party transactions also include revenues and expenses for content and services provided to or acquired from equity method investees, or minority partners of consolidated subsidiaries.
The table below presents a summary of the transactions with related parties (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Revenues and service charges:
Liberty Group$445 $518 
Equity method investees146 175 
Other62 47 
Total revenues and service charges$653 $740 
Expenses$77 $99 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests$130 $237 
The table below presents receivables due from and payables due to related parties (in millions).
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Receivables$513 $363 
Payables$14 $18 
v3.24.1.u1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Put Rights
The Company has granted put rights to non-controlling interest holders in certain consolidated subsidiaries, but the Company is unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of any payment.
Legal Matters
From time to time, in the normal course of its operations, the Company is subject to various litigation matters and claims, including claims related to employees, stockholders, vendors, other business partners, government regulations, or intellectual property, as well as disputes and matters involving counterparties to contractual agreements, such as disputes arising out of definitive agreements entered into in connection with the Merger. A determination as to the amount of the accrual required for such contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgment about future events. In connection with a contract dispute arising out of definitive agreements entered into in connection with the Merger, the Company established an immaterial accrual in the first quarter of 2024. At this time, the Company is not able to estimate the reasonably possible range of loss or any loss in excess of the accrual associated with such matter. There can be no assurance that any settlement of such dispute will be reached and, if a settlement is reached, what the total dollar amount will be of any such settlement.
The Company may not currently be able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for certain matters until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of such loss. In the absence of sufficient information to support an assessment of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, no accrual for such contingencies is made and no loss or range of loss is disclosed. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and the impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company’s results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not currently believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future consolidated financial position, future results of operations, or cash flows.
v3.24.1.u1
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
The Company’s operating segments are determined based on: (i) financial information reviewed by its chief operating decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), (ii) internal management and related reporting structure, and (iii) the basis upon which the CEO makes resource allocation decisions.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Company’s, except that certain inter-segment transactions that are eliminated for consolidation are not eliminated at the segment level. Inter-segment transactions primarily include advertising and content licenses. The Company records inter-segment transactions of content licenses at the gross amount. The Company does not report assets by segment because it is not used to allocate resources or evaluate segment performance.
The Company evaluates the operating performance of its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income excluding:
employee share-based compensation;
depreciation and amortization;
restructuring and facility consolidation;
certain impairment charges;
gains and losses on business and asset dispositions;
third-party transaction and integration costs;
amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content;
amortization of capitalized interest for content; and
other items impacting comparability.
The Company uses this measure to assess the operating results and performance of its segments, perform analytical comparisons, identify strategies to improve performance, and allocate resources to each segment. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is relevant to investors because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses. The Company excludes employee share-based compensation, restructuring, certain impairment charges, gains and losses on business and asset dispositions, and transaction and integration costs from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA due to their impact on comparability between periods. Integration costs include transformative system implementations and integrations, such as Enterprise Resource Planning systems, and may take several years to complete. The Company also excludes the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets, amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content, and amortization of capitalized interest for content, as these amounts do not represent cash payments in the current reporting period. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, operating income, net income, and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We prospectively updated certain corporate allocations at the beginning of 2024. The impact to prior periods was immaterial.
The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments, corporate, and inter-segment eliminations (in millions).
Revenues
 Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Studios$2,821 $3,212 
Networks5,125 5,581 
DTC2,460 2,455 
Corporate— 
Inter-segment eliminations (449)(548)
Total revenues$9,958 $10,700 
Adjusted EBITDA
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Studios$184 $607 
Networks2,119 2,293 
DTC86 50 
Corporate(346)(355)
Inter-segment eliminations 59 16 
Adjusted EBITDA$2,102 $2,611 
Reconciliation of Net Loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA
 Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.$(966)$(1,069)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Income tax expense (benefit)136 (178)
Loss before income taxes(819)(1,238)
Other (income) expense, net(11)73 
Loss from equity investees, net48 37 
Interest expense, net515 571 
Operating loss(267)(557)
Depreciation and amortization1,888 2,058 
Employee share-based compensation99 106 
Restructuring and other charges35 95 
Transaction and integration costs81 47 
Facility consolidation costs— 
Impairment and amortization of fair value step-up for content235 831 
Amortization of capitalized interest for content17 — 
Impairments and loss on dispositions12 31 
Adjusted EBITDA$2,102 $2,611 
v3.24.1.u1
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On May 9, 2024, the Company announced a cash tender offer to purchase for cash up to $1.75 billion aggregate purchase price (excluding accrued and unpaid interest) of (i) DCL’s outstanding 3.900% Senior Notes due 2024, 4.000% Senior Notes due 2055, 4.650% Senior Notes due 2050, 4.950% Senior Notes due 2042, 4.875% Senior Notes due 2043, 5.200% Senior Notes due 2047, and 5.300% Senior Notes due 2049, (ii) Scripps Networks’ outstanding 3.900% Senior Notes due 2024, (iii) the legacy WarnerMedia Business’s outstanding 4.650% Senior Notes due 2044, 4.850% Senior Notes due 2045, 4.900% Senior Notes due 2042, and 5.350% Senior Notes due 2043, and (iv) WMH’s outstanding 5.050% Senior Notes due 2042, which it expects to fund using the aggregate net proceeds from one or more debt financing transactions together with available cash on hand and other available sources of liquidity.
Consistent with past practice, the Company used its commercial paper program and credit facility to manage working capital. As of May 9, 2024, the Company had approximately $850 million outstanding of commercial paper, which is expected to be repaid within the current quarter.
v3.24.1.u1
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained, including variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
These consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they reflect all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP applicable to interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or future periods. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Form 10-K”).
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Accounting and Reporting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Segment Reporting
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance updating the disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its disclosures.
Income Taxes
In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance updating the disclosure requirements for income taxes, primarily through standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its disclosures.
Derivatives The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in the following three categories:
Level 1Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3Valuations derived from techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
Reportable Segments
The Company’s operating segments are determined based on: (i) financial information reviewed by its chief operating decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), (ii) internal management and related reporting structure, and (iii) the basis upon which the CEO makes resource allocation decisions.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Company’s, except that certain inter-segment transactions that are eliminated for consolidation are not eliminated at the segment level. Inter-segment transactions primarily include advertising and content licenses. The Company records inter-segment transactions of content licenses at the gross amount. The Company does not report assets by segment because it is not used to allocate resources or evaluate segment performance.
The Company evaluates the operating performance of its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income excluding:
employee share-based compensation;
depreciation and amortization;
restructuring and facility consolidation;
certain impairment charges;
gains and losses on business and asset dispositions;
third-party transaction and integration costs;
amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content;
amortization of capitalized interest for content; and
other items impacting comparability.
The Company uses this measure to assess the operating results and performance of its segments, perform analytical comparisons, identify strategies to improve performance, and allocate resources to each segment. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is relevant to investors because it allows them to analyze the operating performance of each segment using the same metric management uses. The Company excludes employee share-based compensation, restructuring, certain impairment charges, gains and losses on business and asset dispositions, and transaction and integration costs from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA due to their impact on comparability between periods. Integration costs include transformative system implementations and integrations, such as Enterprise Resource Planning systems, and may take several years to complete. The Company also excludes the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets, amortization of purchase accounting fair value step-up for content, and amortization of capitalized interest for content, as these amounts do not represent cash payments in the current reporting period. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not a substitute for, operating income, net income, and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We prospectively updated certain corporate allocations at the beginning of 2024. The impact to prior periods was immaterial.
v3.24.1.u1
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges by Reportable Segment
Restructuring and other charges by reportable segments and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions).
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20242023
Studios$11 $76 
Networks11 
DTC
Corporate and inter-segment eliminations11 
Total restructuring and other charges$35 $95 
Schedule of Changes in Restructuring Liabilities Recorded in Accrued Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Changes in restructuring liabilities recorded in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities by major category and by reportable segment and corporate and inter-segment eliminations were as follows (in millions).
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-Segment EliminationsTotal
December 31, 2023$98 $202 $80 $80 $460 
Employee termination accruals, net10 11 10 37 
Other accruals— — (3)— (3)
Cash paid(47)(51)(27)(50)(175)
March 31, 2024$61 $162 $56 $40 $319 
v3.24.1.u1
REVENUES (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-segment EliminationsTotal
Revenues:
Distribution$$2,797 $2,185 $(2)$4,985 
Advertising1,987 175 (18)2,148 
Content2,623 264 99 (428)2,558 
Other189 77 — 267 
Total$2,821 $5,125 $2,460 $(448)$9,958 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
StudiosNetworksDTCCorporate and Inter-segment EliminationsTotal
Revenues:
Distribution$$2,995 $2,165 $— $5,163 
Advertising2,237 103 (45)2,298 
Content3,027 245 185 (503)2,954 
Other179 104 — 285 
Total$3,212 $5,581 $2,455 $(548)$10,700 
Schedule of Contract Liabilities
The following table presents contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationMarch 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Contract liabilitiesDeferred revenues$1,993 $1,924 
Contract liabilitiesOther noncurrent liabilities219 160 
Schedule of Remaining Performance Obligations by Contract Type The following table presents a summary of remaining performance obligations by contract type (in millions).
Contract TypeMarch 31, 2024Duration
Distribution - fixed price or minimum guarantee$3,260 
Through 2031
Content licensing and sports sublicensing4,918 
Through 2030
Brand licensing2,215 
Through 2043
Advertising787 
Through 2027
Total$11,180 
v3.24.1.u1
SALES OF RECEIVABLES (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Receivables [Abstract]  
Schedule of Receivables Sold
The following table presents a summary of receivables sold (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received$3,956 $2,779 
Collections reinvested under revolving agreement(3,987)(2,845)
Net cash proceeds remitted (a)
$(31)$(66)
Net receivables sold$3,914 $2,698 
Obligations recorded (Level 3)$153 $148 
(a) Includes the collection on receivables sold but not remitted of $30 million as of March 31, 2024.
Schedule of Amounts Transferred or Pledged
The following table presents a summary of the amounts transferred or pledged, which were held at the Company’s bankruptcy-remote consolidated subsidiary (in millions).
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Gross receivables pledged as collateral$2,900 $3,088 
Restricted cash pledged as collateral$406 $500 
Balance sheet classification:
Receivables, net$2,660 $2,780 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$406 $500 
Other noncurrent assets$240 $308 
v3.24.1.u1
CONTENT RIGHTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Content Rights The tables below present the components of content rights (in millions).
March 31, 2024
Predominantly Monetized Individually
Predominantly Monetized as a Group
Total
Theatrical film production costs:
Released, less amortization$2,605 $— $2,605 
Completed and not released554 — 554 
In production and other976 — 976 
Television production costs:
Released, less amortization1,380 4,833 6,213 
Completed and not released615 621 1,236 
In production and other348 2,472 2,820 
Total theatrical film and television production costs$6,478 $7,926 $14,404 
Licensed content and advances, net4,631 
Live programming and advances, net2,050 
Game development costs, less amortization497 
Total film and television content rights and games21,582 
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net(1,143)
Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games$20,439 
December 31, 2023
Predominantly Monetized Individually
Predominantly Monetized as a Group
Total
Theatrical film production costs:
Released, less amortization$2,823 $— $2,823 
Completed and not released107 — 107 
In production and other1,300 — 1,300 
Television production costs:
Released, less amortization1,471 5,317 6,788 
Completed and not released380 606 986 
In production and other417 2,624 3,041 
Total theatrical film and television production costs$6,498 $8,547 $15,045 
Licensed content and advances, net4,519 
Live programming and advances, net1,943 
Game development costs, less amortization565 
Total film and television content rights and games22,072 
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net(843)
Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games$21,229 
Schedule of Content Amortization
Content amortization consisted of the following (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Predominantly monetized individually$922 $1,531 
Predominantly monetized as a group2,779 3,096 
Total content amortization$3,701 $4,627 
v3.24.1.u1
INVESTMENTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Investments [Abstract]  
Schedule of Investments Recorded in Other Noncurrent Liabilities
The Company’s equity investments consisted of the following, net of investments recorded in other noncurrent liabilities (in millions).
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationOwnershipMarch 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Equity method investments:
The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LPOther noncurrent assets44%$226 $249 
nC+Other noncurrent assets32%141 142 
TNT SportsOther noncurrent assets50%101 102 
OtherOther noncurrent assets499 503 
Total equity method investments967 996 
Investments with readily determinable fair valuesOther noncurrent assets49 53 
Investments without readily determinable fair values
Other noncurrent assets(a)
428 438 
Total investments$1,444 $1,487 
(a) Investments without readily determinable fair values included $17 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively that were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
v3.24.1.u1
DEBT (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Outstanding Debt
The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in millions).
Weighted-Average
Interest Rate as of
March 31, 2024
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less
— %$— $40 
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less
4.02 %14,225 13,664 
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years
4.33 %7,107 8,607 
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years
5.11 %21,513 21,644 
Total debt42,845 43,955 
Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net(267)(286)
Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting42,578 43,669 
Current portion of debt(3,430)(1,780)
Noncurrent portion of debt$39,148 $41,889 
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments The following table summarizes the impact of derivative financial instruments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Fair ValueFair Value
NotionalPrepaid expenses and other current assetsOther non-
current assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesOther non-
current liabilities
NotionalPrepaid expenses and other current assetsOther non-
current assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesOther non-
current liabilities
Cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange$1,249 $24 $$34 $$1,484 $40 $$37 $
Net investment hedges: (a)
Cross-currency swaps1,361 22 13 24 1,779 23 12 42 
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps1,500 — — 1,500 — — 
No hedging designation:
Foreign exchange1,089 25 96 1,058 83 
Interest rate swaps3,250 23 — — — — — — — — 
Total return swaps420 10 — — — 395 19 — — — 
Total$113 $24 $45 $131 $90 $21 $45 $138 
(a) Excludes £400 million and £402 million of sterling notes ($506 million and $513 million equivalent at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) designated as a net investment hedge. (See Note 8.)
Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
The following table presents the pre-tax impact of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on income and other comprehensive loss (in millions).
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20242023
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign exchange - derivative adjustments
$16 $
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign exchange - distribution revenue
(1)
Foreign exchange - costs of revenues
11 
Interest rate - interest expense, net(1)
Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges on Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents the pre-tax impact of derivatives designated as net investment hedges on other comprehensive loss (in millions). Other than amounts excluded from effectiveness testing, there were no other material gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Three Months Ended March 31,
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCILocation of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
2024202320242023
Cross currency swaps$25 $22 Interest expense, net$$
Euro-denominated notes (foreign denominated debt)— N/A— — 
Sterling notes (foreign denominated debt)— N/A— — 
Total$29 $27 $$
Schedule of Fair Value Hedge Adjustments to Hedged Borrowings
The following table presents fair value hedge adjustments to hedged borrowings (in millions).
Carrying Amount of
Hedged Borrowings
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Hedged Borrowings
Balance Sheet LocationMarch 31, 2024December 31, 2023March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Noncurrent portion of debt$1,502 $1,502 $$
The following table presents the pretax impact of derivatives designated as fair value hedges on income, including offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged items (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt (1)
$— $(12)
(Loss) gain on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts (1)
— 12 
Total in interest expense, net$— $— 
(1) Accrued interest expense related to the hedged debt and derivative contracts is excluded from the amounts above and was not material as of March 31, 2024.
Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges on Statements of Operations
The following table presents the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges and recognized in selling, general and administrative expense and other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Interest rate swaps$21 $— 
Total return swaps19 18 
Total in selling, general and administrative expense40 18 
Interest rate swaps— 
Foreign exchange derivatives (8)
Total in other income (expense), net
(6)
Total$34 $21 
v3.24.1.u1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The tables below present assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions).
  March 31, 2024
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Time depositsCash and cash equivalents$— $102 $— $102 
Equity securities:
Money market fundCash and cash equivalents— — 
Mutual fundsPrepaid expenses and other current assets44 — — 44 
Company-owned life insurance contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets— — 
Mutual fundsOther noncurrent assets234 — — 234 
Company-owned life insurance contractsOther noncurrent assets— 100 — 100 
Total$279 $203 $— $482 
Liabilities
Deferred compensation planAccrued liabilities$67 $— $— $67 
Deferred compensation planOther noncurrent liabilities652 — — 652 
Total$719 $— $— $719 
December 31, 2023
CategoryBalance Sheet LocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Time depositsCash and cash equivalents$— $105 $— $105 
Equity securities:
Money market fundsCash and cash equivalents— — 
Mutual fundsPrepaid expenses and other current assets42 — — 42 
Company-owned life insurance contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets— — 
Mutual fundsOther noncurrent assets233 — — 233 
Company-owned life insurance contractsOther noncurrent assets— 97 — 97 
Total$276 $203 $— $479 
Liabilities
Deferred compensation planAccrued liabilities$67 $— $— $67 
Deferred compensation planOther noncurrent liabilities614 — — 614 
Total$681 $— $— $681 
v3.24.1.u1
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Schedule of Awards Granted The table below presents awards granted (in millions, except weighted-average grant price).
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
AwardsWeighted-Average Grant Price
Awards granted:
PRSUs6.1 $8.66 
RSUs51.9 $8.70 
Stock options4.1 $8.67 
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost Related to Non-Vested Share-Based Awards and Weighted-Average Amortization Period
The table below presents unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards and the weighted-average amortization period over which these expenses will be recognized as of March 31, 2024 (in millions, except years).
Unrecognized Compensation CostWeighted-Average Amortization Period
(years)
PRSUs$101 2.0
RSUs834 2.1
Stock options120 2.5
Total unrecognized compensation cost$1,055 
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net, consisted of the following (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Foreign currency losses, net$(137)$(93)
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net(6)
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value(1)29 
Change in fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value(14)(68)
Gain on extinguishment of debt25 — 
Interest income60 45 
Indemnification receivable accrual90 
Other (loss) income, net
(6)
Total other income (expense), net
$11 $(73)
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Cash paid for taxes, net$118 $312 
Cash paid for interest, net867 920 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued purchases of property and equipment28 33 
Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements111 29 
Settlement of PRSU awards31 
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
 March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents$2,976 $3,780 
Restricted cash - recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets (1)
410 539 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $3,386 $4,319 
(1) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 5 and Note 9.)
Schedule of Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
 March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents$2,976 $3,780 
Restricted cash - recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets (1)
410 539 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $3,386 $4,319 
(1) Restricted cash primarily includes cash posted as collateral related to the Company’s revolving receivables and hedging programs. (See Note 5 and Note 9.)
Schedule of Net Loss Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A Common Stockholders for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
The table below presents a reconciliation of net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Numerator:
Net loss$(955)$(1,060)
Less:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(7)(8)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(4)(1)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value)(4)— 
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share$(970)$(1,069)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
The table below presents the details of share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Anti-dilutive share-based awards
74 62 
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The table below presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Currency Translation DerivativesPension Plan and SERP LiabilityAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance$(699)$18 $(60)$(741)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(176)13 — (163)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income
— (9)— (9)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(176)— (172)
Ending balance
$(875)$22 $(60)$(913)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Currency Translation DerivativesPension Plan and SERP LiabilityAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance$(1,498)$14 $(39)$(1,523)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications426 (9)420 
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income
— (2)— (2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)426 (9)418 
Ending balance
$(1,072)$15 $(48)$(1,105)
v3.24.1.u1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Schedule of Transactions with Related Parties and Amount Due from/to Related Parties The table below presents a summary of the transactions with related parties (in millions).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Revenues and service charges:
Liberty Group$445 $518 
Equity method investees146 175 
Other62 47 
Total revenues and service charges$653 $740 
Expenses$77 $99 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests$130 $237 
The table below presents receivables due from and payables due to related parties (in millions).
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Receivables$513 $363 
Payables$14 $18 
v3.24.1.u1
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Reportable Segments, Corporate, and Inter-Segment Eliminations
The tables below present summarized financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments, corporate, and inter-segment eliminations (in millions).
Revenues
 Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Studios$2,821 $3,212 
Networks5,125 5,581 
DTC2,460 2,455 
Corporate— 
Inter-segment eliminations (449)(548)
Total revenues$9,958 $10,700 
Schedule of Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Adjusted EBITDA
Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Studios$184 $607 
Networks2,119 2,293 
DTC86 50 
Corporate(346)(355)
Inter-segment eliminations 59 16 
Adjusted EBITDA$2,102 $2,611 
Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Loss Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA
Reconciliation of Net Loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA
 Three Months Ended March 31,
20242023
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.$(966)$(1,069)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Income tax expense (benefit)136 (178)
Loss before income taxes(819)(1,238)
Other (income) expense, net(11)73 
Loss from equity investees, net48 37 
Interest expense, net515 571 
Operating loss(267)(557)
Depreciation and amortization1,888 2,058 
Employee share-based compensation99 106 
Restructuring and other charges35 95 
Transaction and integration costs81 47 
Facility consolidation costs— 
Impairment and amortization of fair value step-up for content235 831 
Amortization of capitalized interest for content17 — 
Impairments and loss on dispositions12 31 
Adjusted EBITDA$2,102 $2,611 
v3.24.1.u1
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details)
Oct. 01, 2023
Studios  
Goodwill [Line Items]  
Goodwill excess of fair value over carrying value 15.00%
Networks  
Goodwill [Line Items]  
Goodwill excess of fair value over carrying value 5.00%
v3.24.1.u1
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Schedule of Restructuring and Other Charges by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges $ 35 $ 95
Operating Segments | Studios    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges 11 76
Operating Segments | Networks    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges 11 3
Operating Segments | DTC    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges 2 9
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges $ 11 $ 7
v3.24.1.u1
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges $ 35 $ 95
Contract Terminations and Facility Consolidation Activities    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges   56
Organization Restructuring Costs    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges   35
Other Charges    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Restructuring and other charges   $ 4
v3.24.1.u1
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Schedule of Changes in Restructuring Liabilities Recorded in Accrued Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve  
Beginning balance $ 460
Employee termination accruals, net 37
Other accruals (3)
Cash paid (175)
Ending balance 319
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations  
Restructuring Reserve  
Beginning balance 80
Employee termination accruals, net 10
Other accruals 0
Cash paid (50)
Ending balance 40
Studios | Operating Segments  
Restructuring Reserve  
Beginning balance 98
Employee termination accruals, net 10
Other accruals 0
Cash paid (47)
Ending balance 61
Networks | Operating Segments  
Restructuring Reserve  
Beginning balance 202
Employee termination accruals, net 11
Other accruals 0
Cash paid (51)
Ending balance 162
DTC | Operating Segments  
Restructuring Reserve  
Beginning balance 80
Employee termination accruals, net 6
Other accruals (3)
Cash paid (27)
Ending balance $ 56
v3.24.1.u1
REVENUES - Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues $ 9,958 $ 10,700
Distribution    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 4,985 5,163
Advertising    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,148 2,298
Content    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,558 2,954
Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 267 285
Operating Segments | Studios    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,821 3,212
Operating Segments | Studios | Distribution    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 5 3
Operating Segments | Studios | Advertising    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 4 3
Operating Segments | Studios | Content    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,623 3,027
Operating Segments | Studios | Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 189 179
Operating Segments | Networks    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 5,125 5,581
Operating Segments | Networks | Distribution    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,797 2,995
Operating Segments | Networks | Advertising    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 1,987 2,237
Operating Segments | Networks | Content    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 264 245
Operating Segments | Networks | Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 77 104
Operating Segments | DTC    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,460 2,455
Operating Segments | DTC | Distribution    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,185 2,165
Operating Segments | DTC | Advertising    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 175 103
Operating Segments | DTC | Content    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 99 185
Operating Segments | DTC | Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 1 2
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues (448) (548)
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | Distribution    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues (2) 0
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | Advertising    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues (18) (45)
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | Content    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues (428) (503)
Corporate and Inter-Segment Eliminations | Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues $ 0 $ 0
v3.24.1.u1
REVENUES - Schedule of Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Contract liabilities - deferred revenues $ 1,993 $ 1,924
Contract liabilities - other noncurrent liabilities $ 219 $ 160
v3.24.1.u1
REVENUES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Revenue recognized related to the contract liability (deferred revenues) $ 772 $ 856
v3.24.1.u1
REVENUES - Schedule of Remaining Performance Obligations by Contract Type (Details) - Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-04-01
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligations $ 11,180
Distribution - fixed price or minimum guarantee  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligations $ 3,260
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period 7 years 9 months
Content licensing and sports sublicensing  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligations $ 4,918
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period 6 years 9 months
Brand licensing  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligations $ 2,215
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period 19 years 9 months 3 days
Advertising  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligations $ 787
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period 3 years 9 months
v3.24.1.u1
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Receivables [Abstract]      
Face amount     $ 5,500,000,000
Outstanding receivables derecognized $ 5,170,000,000    
Loss on revolving receivables program 51,000,000 $ 33,000,000  
Accounts receivable sold under factoring arrangements $ 0 $ 72,000,000  
v3.24.1.u1
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedule of Receivables Sold (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Receivables [Abstract]    
Gross receivables sold/cash proceeds received $ 3,956 $ 2,779
Collections reinvested under revolving agreement (3,987) (2,845)
Net cash proceeds remitted (a) (31) (66)
Net receivables sold 3,914 2,698
Obligations recorded (Level 3) 153 $ 148
Collection on receivables sold but not remitted $ 30  
v3.24.1.u1
SALES OF RECEIVABLES - Schedule of Amounts Transferred or Pledged (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]    
Restricted cash pledged as collateral $ 410 $ 539
Asset Pledged as Collateral    
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]    
Gross receivables pledged as collateral 2,900 3,088
Restricted cash pledged as collateral 406 500
Asset Pledged as Collateral | Receivables, net    
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]    
Receivables, net 2,660 2,780
Asset Pledged as Collateral | Other noncurrent assets    
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]    
Other noncurrent assets $ 240 $ 308
v3.24.1.u1
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Components of Content Rights (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Content Rights [Line Items]    
Predominantly Monetized Individually $ 6,478 $ 6,498
Predominantly Monetized as a Group 7,926 8,547
Total 14,404 15,045
Licensed content and advances, net 4,631 4,519
Live programming and advances, net 2,050 1,943
Game development costs, less amortization 497 565
Total film and television content rights and games 21,582 22,072
Less: Current content rights and prepaid license fees, net (1,143) (843)
Total noncurrent film and television content rights and games 20,439 21,229
Theatrical film production costs    
Content Rights [Line Items]    
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Released, less amortization 2,605 2,823
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Completed and not released 554 107
Predominantly Monetized Individually, In production and other 976 1,300
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Released, less amortization 0 0
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Completed and not released 0 0
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, In production and other 0 0
Total, Released, less amortization 2,605 2,823
Total, Completed and not released 554 107
Total, In production and other 976 1,300
Television production costs    
Content Rights [Line Items]    
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Released, less amortization 1,380 1,471
Predominantly Monetized Individually, Completed and not released 615 380
Predominantly Monetized Individually, In production and other 348 417
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Released, less amortization 4,833 5,317
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, Completed and not released 621 606
Predominantly Monetized as a Group, In production and other 2,472 2,624
Total, Released, less amortization 6,213 6,788
Total, Completed and not released 1,236 986
Total, In production and other $ 2,820 $ 3,041
v3.24.1.u1
CONTENT RIGHTS - Schedule of Content Amortization (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]    
Predominantly monetized individually $ 922 $ 1,531
Predominantly monetized as a group 2,779 3,096
Total content amortization $ 3,701 $ 4,627
v3.24.1.u1
CONTENT RIGHTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]    
Content impairments $ 126 $ 96
v3.24.1.u1
INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Investments Recorded in Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Equity method investments $ 967 $ 996
Investments with readily determinable fair values 49 53
Investments without readily determinable fair values 428 438
Total investments $ 1,444 1,487
The Chernin Group (TCG) 2.0-A, LP    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Equity method investment, ownership percentage 44.00%  
Equity method investments $ 226 249
nC+    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Equity method investment, ownership percentage 32.00%  
Equity method investments $ 141 142
TNT Sports    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Equity method investment, ownership percentage 50.00%  
Equity method investments $ 101 102
Other    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Equity method investments 499 503
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Investments without readily determinable fair values $ 17 $ 17
v3.24.1.u1
INVESTMENTS - Equity Method Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Equity method investments $ 967 $ 996
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss 689  
Equity method investments $ 669 $ 697
v3.24.1.u1
DEBT - Schedule of Components of Outstanding Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Mar. 31, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Total debt $ 42,845 $ 43,955  
Unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting, net (267) (286)  
Debt, net of unamortized discount, premium, debt issuance costs, and fair value adjustments for acquisition accounting 42,578 43,669  
Current portion of debt (3,430) (1,780)  
Noncurrent portion of debt $ 39,148 41,889  
Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Weighted average interest rate     6.412%
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument, maturity term 5 years    
Total debt $ 0 40  
Floating rate senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Weighted Average | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Weighted average interest rate 0.00%    
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument, maturity term 5 years    
Total debt $ 14,225 13,664  
Senior notes with maturities of 5 years or less | Weighted Average | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Weighted average interest rate 4.02%    
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Total debt $ 7,107 8,607  
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Minimum | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument, maturity term 5 years    
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Maximum | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument, maturity term 10 years    
Senior notes with maturities between 5 and 10 years | Weighted Average | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Weighted average interest rate 4.33%    
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument, maturity term 10 years    
Total debt $ 21,513 $ 21,644  
Senior notes with maturities greater than 10 years | Weighted Average | Senior Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Weighted average interest rate 5.11%    
v3.24.1.u1
DEBT - Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
WarnerMedia    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt assumed $ 1,100,000,000  
Senior Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Principal repayments of term loans   $ 106,000,000
Senior note, amount repurchased 364,000,000  
Face amount   $ 1,500,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate   6.412%
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due February And March 2024    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Principal repayments of term loans 726,000,000  
Senior Notes | Un-exchanged Scripps Senior Notes | Scripps Networks    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Principal amount of liabilities assumed $ 23,000,000  
Term Loan    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Principal repayments of term loans   $ 1,500,000,000
v3.24.1.u1
DEBT - Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Programs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, gross $ 42,845,000,000 $ 43,955,000,000
Commercial Paper    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, gross 0 $ 0
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity 6,000,000,000  
Additional Commitments Upon Satisfaction of Certain Conditions | Line of Credit    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,000,000,000  
v3.24.1.u1
DEBT - Credit Agreement Financial Covenants (Narrative) (Details) - Line of Credit - Revolving Credit Facility
Apr. 08, 2024
Apr. 08, 2023
Apr. 09, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument, covenant, consolidated interest coverage ratio, minimum     3.00
Debt instrument, covenant, adjusted consolidated leverage ratio, maximum   5.00 5.75
Subsequent Event      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt instrument, covenant, adjusted consolidated leverage ratio, maximum 4.50    
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Impact of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)
£ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2024
GBP (£)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
GBP (£)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Amounts eligible to be offset under master netting agreements $ 0   $ 0  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets 113,000,000   90,000,000  
Other non- current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets 24,000,000   21,000,000  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability 45,000,000   45,000,000  
Other non- current liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability 131,000,000   138,000,000  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Notional 1,089,000,000   1,058,000,000  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Prepaid expenses and other current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 25,000,000   1,000,000  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 4,000,000   1,000,000  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 4,000,000   1,000,000  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 96,000,000   83,000,000  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Notional 3,250,000,000   0  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 23,000,000   0  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 0   0  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 0   0  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 0   0  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Notional 420,000,000   395,000,000  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 10,000,000   19,000,000  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Other non- current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 0   0  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 0   0  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Total return swaps | Other non- current liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 0   0  
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Notional 1,249,000,000   1,484,000,000  
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Prepaid expenses and other current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 24,000,000   40,000,000  
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 7,000,000   8,000,000  
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 34,000,000   37,000,000  
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Other non- current liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 4,000,000   8,000,000  
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Notional 1,361,000,000   1,779,000,000  
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Sterling Notes        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Notional 506,000,000 £ 400 513,000,000 £ 402
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 22,000,000   23,000,000  
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other non- current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 13,000,000   12,000,000  
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 7,000,000   7,000,000  
Net Investment Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross-currency swaps | Other non- current liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 24,000,000   42,000,000  
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Notional 1,500,000,000   1,500,000,000  
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Prepaid expenses and other current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 9,000,000   7,000,000  
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current assets        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative assets, fair value 0   0  
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value 0   0  
Fair Value Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Other non- current liabilities        
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]        
Derivative liability, fair value $ 7,000,000   $ 5,000,000  
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Senior Notes      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Face amount     $ 1,500,000,000
Weighted average interest rate     6.412%
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Net Investment Hedges | Cross-currency swaps      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Gain on derivative $ 76,000,000    
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Maximum length of time hedged in cash flow hedge   31 years  
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Notional   $ 3,000,000,000  
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 13 $ 3
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss 16 1
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Distribution    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss 2 (1)
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange derivatives | Cost of Revenues    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss 11 2
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps | Interest Expense    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Gains (losses) reclassified into income from accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1) $ 1
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Net Investment Hedges on Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument - Net Investment Hedges - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Derivative [Line Items]    
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI $ 29 $ 27
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) 6 5
Euro-Denominated Notes    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI 0 5
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) 0 0
Sterling Notes    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI 4 0
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) 0 0
Cross-currency swaps    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI 25 22
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) $ 6 $ 5
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Fair Value Hedge Adjustments to Hedged Borrowings (Details) - Long-Term Debt - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]    
Carrying Amount of Hedged Borrowings $ 1,502 $ 1,502
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments Included in Hedged Borrowings $ 2 $ 2
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pretax Impact of Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges on Income, Including Offsetting Changes in Fair Value of the Hedged Items (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of hedged fixed rate debt $ 0 $ (12)
(Loss) gain on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts 0 12
Total in interest expense, net $ 0 $ 0
v3.24.1.u1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Pre-Tax Impact of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges on Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Total in other income (expense), net $ (6) $ 3
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Total in other income (expense), net 34 21
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Total in other income (expense), net 40 18
Other income (expense), net | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Total in other income (expense), net (6) 3
Interest rate swaps | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Total in other income (expense), net 21 0
Interest rate swaps | Other income (expense), net | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Total in other income (expense), net 2 0
Total return swaps | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Total in other income (expense), net 19 18
Foreign exchange derivatives | Other income (expense), net | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Total in other income (expense), net $ (8) $ 3
v3.24.1.u1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Assets $ 482 $ 479
Liabilities 719 681
Cash and cash equivalents    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Time deposits 102 105
Equity securities 1 1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Equity securities 44 42
Company-owned life insurance contracts 1 1
Other noncurrent assets    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Equity securities 234 233
Company-owned life insurance contracts 100 97
Accrued liabilities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation plan 67 67
Other noncurrent liabilities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation plan 652 614
Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Assets 279 276
Liabilities 719 681
Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Time deposits 0 0
Equity securities 1 1
Level 1 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Equity securities 44 42
Company-owned life insurance contracts 0 0
Level 1 | Other noncurrent assets    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Equity securities 234 233
Company-owned life insurance contracts 0 0
Level 1 | Accrued liabilities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation plan 67 67
Level 1 | Other noncurrent liabilities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation plan 652 614
Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Assets 203 203
Liabilities 0 0
Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Time deposits 102 105
Equity securities 0 0
Level 2 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Equity securities 0 0
Company-owned life insurance contracts 1 1
Level 2 | Other noncurrent assets    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Equity securities 0 0
Company-owned life insurance contracts 100 97
Level 2 | Accrued liabilities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation plan 0 0
Level 2 | Other noncurrent liabilities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation plan 0 0
Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Assets 0 0
Liabilities 0 0
Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Time deposits 0 0
Equity securities 0 0
Level 3 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Equity securities 0 0
Company-owned life insurance contracts 0 0
Level 3 | Other noncurrent assets    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Equity securities 0 0
Company-owned life insurance contracts 0 0
Level 3 | Accrued liabilities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation plan 0 0
Level 3 | Other noncurrent liabilities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Deferred compensation plan $ 0 $ 0
v3.24.1.u1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Billions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Level 2    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Senior notes, fair value $ 38.3 $ 40.5
v3.24.1.u1
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Awards Granted (Details)
shares in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
$ / shares
shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Stock options, granted (in shares) | shares 4.1
Stock options, weighted-average grant price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 8.67
PRSUs  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Awards granted, awards (in shares) | shares 6.1
Awards granted, weighted-average grant price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 8.66
RSUs  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Awards granted, awards (in shares) | shares 51.9
Awards granted, weighted-average grant price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 8.70
v3.24.1.u1
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost Related to Non-Vested Share-Based Awards and Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Unrecognized Compensation Cost $ 1,055
PRSUs  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Unrecognized Compensation Cost $ 101
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (years) 2 years
RSUs  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Unrecognized Compensation Cost $ 834
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (years) 2 years 1 month 6 days
Stock options  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Unrecognized Compensation Cost $ 120
Weighted-Average Amortization Period (years) 2 years 6 months
v3.24.1.u1
INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Income tax expense (benefit) $ (136) $ 178  
Unrecognized tax benefits 2,150   $ 2,147
Unrecognized tax benefits, decreases resulting from current period tax positions 88    
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued $ 616   $ 571
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]    
Foreign currency losses, net $ (137) $ (93)
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net (6) 3
Change in the value of investments with readily determinable fair value (1) 29
Change in fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value (14) (68)
Gain on extinguishment of debt 25 0
Interest income 60 45
Indemnification receivable accrual 90 5
Other (loss) income, net (6) 6
Total other income (expense), net $ 11 $ (73)
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]    
Cash paid for taxes, net $ 118 $ 312
Cash paid for interest, net 867 920
Accrued purchases of property and equipment 28 33
Assets acquired under finance lease and other arrangements 111 29
Settlement of PRSU awards $ 31 $ 8
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Mar. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,976 $ 3,780    
Restricted cash - recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets 410 539    
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 3,386 $ 4,319 $ 2,639 $ 3,930
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Net Loss Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A Common Stockholders for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Numerator:    
Net loss $ (955) $ (1,060)
Less:    
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (7) (8)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (4) (1)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments of carrying value to redemption value (redemption value does not equal fair value) (4) 0
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for basic earnings per share (970) (1,069)
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Series A common stockholders for diluted earnings per share $ (970) $ (1,069)
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares
shares in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Stock Options and RSU    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Anti-dilutive share-based awards (in shares) 74 62
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Supplier Finance Programs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]    
Supplier finance program, obligation, current $ 337 $ 338
v3.24.1.u1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance $ 46,307 $ 48,349
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications   420
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income   (2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (173) 418
Ending balance 45,115 47,533
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss    
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance (741) (1,523)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (163)  
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (9)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) (172) 418
Ending balance (913) (1,105)
Currency Translation    
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance (699) (1,498)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (176) 426
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income 0 0
Other comprehensive income (loss) (176) 426
Ending balance (875) (1,072)
Derivatives    
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance 18 14
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 13 3
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (9) (2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 4 1
Ending balance 22 15
Pension Plan and SERP Liability    
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance (60) (39)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 0 (9)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income 0 0
Other comprehensive income (loss) 0 (9)
Ending balance $ (60) $ (48)
v3.24.1.u1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Narrative (Details) - Board of Directors Chairman
Mar. 31, 2024
Liberty Global  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Aggregate voting power percentage of a related party 30.00%
Liberty Broadband  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Aggregate voting power percentage of a related party 48.00%
v3.24.1.u1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Schedule of Transactions with Related Parties (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenues and service charges $ 9,958 $ 10,700
Expenses 10,225 11,257
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests 130 237
Related Party    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenues and service charges 653 740
Expenses 77 99
Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests 130 237
Liberty Group    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenues and service charges 445 518
Equity method investees    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenues and service charges 146 175
Other    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenues and service charges $ 62 $ 47
v3.24.1.u1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Schedule of Amount Due from/to Related Parties (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Receivables $ 6,303 $ 6,047
Payables 1,245 1,260
Liberty Group    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Receivables 513 363
Payables $ 14 $ 18
v3.24.1.u1
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Reportable Segments, Corporate, and Inter-Segment Eliminations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Revenues $ 9,958 $ 10,700
Operating Segments | Studios    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,821 3,212
Operating Segments | Networks    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Revenues 5,125 5,581
Operating Segments | DTC    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,460 2,455
Corporate    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Revenues 1 0
Inter-segment eliminations    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Revenues $ (449) $ (548)
v3.24.1.u1
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Adjusted EBITDA by Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,102 $ 2,611
Operating Segments | Studios    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Adjusted EBITDA 184 607
Operating Segments | Networks    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Adjusted EBITDA 2,119 2,293
Operating Segments | DTC    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Adjusted EBITDA 86 50
Corporate    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Adjusted EBITDA (346) (355)
Inter-segment eliminations    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Adjusted EBITDA $ 59 $ 16
v3.24.1.u1
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS - Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Loss Available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]    
Net loss available to Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. $ (966) $ (1,069)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 4 1
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 7 8
Income tax expense (benefit) 136 (178)
Loss before income taxes (819) (1,238)
Other (income) expense, net (11) 73
Loss from equity investees, net 48 37
Interest expense, net 515 571
Operating loss (267) (557)
Depreciation and amortization 1,888 2,058
Employee share-based compensation 99 106
Restructuring and other charges 35 95
Transaction and integration costs 81 47
Facility consolidation costs 2 0
Impairment and amortization of fair value step-up for content 235 831
Amortization of capitalized interest for content 17 0
Impairments and loss on dispositions (12) (31)
Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,102 $ 2,611
v3.24.1.u1
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($)
May 09, 2024
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Mar. 31, 2023
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Long-term debt, gross   $ 42,845,000,000 $ 43,955,000,000  
Subsequent Event        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Payments to acquire notes receivable $ 1,750,000,000      
Senior Notes        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate       6.412%
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2024, 3.900% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 3.90%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2055, 4.000% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 4.00%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2050, 4.650% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 4.65%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2042, 4.950% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 4.95%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2043, 4.875% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 4.875%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2047, 5.200% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 5.20%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2049, 5.300% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 5.30%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2044, 4.650% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 4.65%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2045, 4.850% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 4.85%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2042, 4.900% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 4.90%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2043, 5.350% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 5.35%      
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2042, 5.050% | Subsequent Event | Discovery Communications, LLC        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Debt instrument interest rate 5.05%      
Commercial Paper        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Long-term debt, gross   $ 0 $ 0  
Commercial Paper | Subsequent Event        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Long-term debt, gross $ 850,000,000