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Dec 3 (Reuters) – The disco legends behind President Donald Trump's favourite campaign anthem will take centre stage at Friday's World Cup draw, FIFA has announced, in what promises to be a star-studded affair with distinctly Trumpian overtones. The Village People will deliver a rendition of "Y.M.C.A." at the Kennedy Center in Washington to cap off the draw for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The song became a staple at Trump's campaign rallies and Mar-a-Lago fundraisers, where the president has been seen dancing along. FIFA described Friday's show as a "world-class entertainment line-up" featuring supermodel and television personality Heidi Klum, comedian Kevin Hart and actor Danny Ramirez as co-hosts. Performances will include classical singer Andrea Bocelli and a duet by British pop star Robbie Williams, FIFA's music ambassador, and American singer Nicole Scherzinger. Trump overhauled the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in February, becoming chairman of the organisation, replacing billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein, and firing its president, Deborah Rutter. Adding another layer of Trump connection, FIFA also plans to unveil its new "Peace Prize – Football Unites the World" during the event, an award widely expected to go to Trump after his calls for a Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended Trump's inauguration in January and has previously said the U.S. leader deserved global recognition for his role in brokering a ceasefire in the Middle East. The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the largest edition in the tournament's history. Expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, the event will span venues from Mexico City to Vancouver and from New York to Los Angeles, with the bulk of games staged in U.S. stadiums as FIFA looks to tap into the world's biggest sports market. (Writing by Ossian Shine in London;Editing by Christian Radnedge)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

(Changes order of companies in paragraph 10) By Milana Vinn and Dawn Chmielewski NEW YORK, Dec 2 (Reuters) – Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's studios and streaming unit is expected to reduce streaming costs for consumers by bundling Netflix and HBO Max, according to two people familiar with the proposal. In recent talks with Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix said the potential combination of its streaming service with HBO Max would benefit consumers by lowering the cost of a bundled offering, the sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. They requested anonymity to discuss confidential negotiations. Netflix’s argument seeks to address potential regulatory concerns that combining one of the nation’s leading subscription video streaming services with a top rival would reduce consumer choice and raise prices, the sources said. The services are not currently offered as a bundle by either company.  Warner Bros Discovery has been exploring a sale of all or part of its business, which includes film and television studios, cable networks such as HBO and CNN, and the HBO Max streaming service. Reuters reported in October that Netflix was actively exploring a bid for Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming business, a tie-up that was seen as potentially reshaping the streaming landscape. Now, by framing the acquisition as pro-consumer, Netflix aims to build a case that the deal should withstand a potential regulatory challenge, according to the sources.  Reuters previously reported that Netflix had submitted a mostly cash offer for the studio and streaming unit. Other bidders for Warner Bros Discovery – Paramount Skydance and Comcast – also would use HBO Max, together with the Warner Bros film and television library, to bolster their streaming services. Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Warner Bros Discovery declined to comment. If Netflix's bid is successful, the deal is expected to expand Netflix's movie and television library. But the sources familiar with the matter said the potential combination of the two services is unlikely to radically expand its market share because the vast majority of HBO Max customers also subscribe to Netflix. The combination of HBO Max and Paramount Skydance's Paramount+ would create a top-tier streaming service in the U.S., capable of challenging Netflix and Walt Disney's Disney+ in terms of volume and breadth of content, wrote Bank of America media analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich in a recent report. HBO Max would similarly lift NBCUniversal’s Peacock service, which has yet to turn a profit. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast. “Comcast risks being left behind as PSKY or NFLX scale (their streaming services), limiting Peacock's reach and weakening NBC's ability to compete in the global media market over time,” Ehrlich wrote. A successful acquisition would give Netflix control over Warner Bros’ vast library of content, including the entire HBO catalog, the Warner Bros film archive, and DC Comics properties.  “Netflix is the clear streaming leader in subscribers,” Ehrlich wrote, adding: “It still lags other media companies on deep IP libraries that could offer potential use cases for theme parks, experiences, Broadway shows, gaming and merchandising.” To be sure, Netflix faces its own political headwinds, from criticism by the Pentagon over its content to Republican lawmakers warning that a takeover of Warner Bros Discovery could give it too much control and reduce consumer choice. Alphabet's YouTube remains the country’s largest streaming platform by viewership. (Reporting by Milana Vinn and Dawn Chmielewski in New York; Editing by Dawn Kopecki, Kenneth Li and Matthew Lewis)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

(Changes order of companies in paragraph 10) By Milana Vinn and Dawn Chmielewski NEW YORK, Dec 2 (Reuters) – Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's studios and streaming unit is expected to reduce streaming costs for consumers by bundling Netflix and HBO Max, according to two people familiar with the proposal. In recent talks with Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix said the potential combination of its streaming service with HBO Max would benefit consumers by lowering the cost of a bundled offering, the sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. They requested anonymity to discuss confidential negotiations. Netflix’s argument seeks to address potential regulatory concerns that combining one of the nation’s leading subscription video streaming services with a top rival would reduce consumer choice and raise prices, the sources said. The services are not currently offered as a bundle by either company.  Warner Bros Discovery has been exploring a sale of all or part of its business, which includes film and television studios, cable networks such as HBO and CNN, and the HBO Max streaming service. Reuters reported in October that Netflix was actively exploring a bid for Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming business, a tie-up that was seen as potentially reshaping the streaming landscape. Now, by framing the acquisition as pro-consumer, Netflix aims to build a case that the deal should withstand a potential regulatory challenge, according to the sources.  Reuters previously reported that Netflix had submitted a mostly cash offer for the studio and streaming unit. Other bidders for Warner Bros Discovery – Paramount Skydance and Comcast – also would use HBO Max, together with the Warner Bros film and television library, to bolster their streaming services. Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Warner Bros Discovery declined to comment. If Netflix's bid is successful, the deal is expected to expand Netflix's movie and television library. But the sources familiar with the matter said the potential combination of the two services is unlikely to radically expand its market share because the vast majority of HBO Max customers also subscribe to Netflix. The combination of HBO Max and Paramount Skydance's Paramount+ would create a top-tier streaming service in the U.S., capable of challenging Netflix and Walt Disney's Disney+ in terms of volume and breadth of content, wrote Bank of America media analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich in a recent report. HBO Max would similarly lift NBCUniversal’s Peacock service, which has yet to turn a profit. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast. “Comcast risks being left behind as PSKY or NFLX scale (their streaming services), limiting Peacock's reach and weakening NBC's ability to compete in the global media market over time,” Ehrlich wrote. A successful acquisition would give Netflix control over Warner Bros’ vast library of content, including the entire HBO catalog, the Warner Bros film archive, and DC Comics properties.  “Netflix is the clear streaming leader in subscribers,” Ehrlich wrote, adding: “It still lags other media companies on deep IP libraries that could offer potential use cases for theme parks, experiences, Broadway shows, gaming and merchandising.” To be sure, Netflix faces its own political headwinds, from criticism by the Pentagon over its content to Republican lawmakers warning that a takeover of Warner Bros Discovery could give it too much control and reduce consumer choice. Alphabet's YouTube remains the country’s largest streaming platform by viewership. (Reporting by Milana Vinn and Dawn Chmielewski in New York; Editing by Dawn Kopecki, Kenneth Li and Matthew Lewis)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

(Changes order of companies in paragraph 10) By Milana Vinn and Dawn Chmielewski NEW YORK, Dec 2 (Reuters) – Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's studios and streaming unit is expected to reduce streaming costs for consumers by bundling Netflix and HBO Max, according to two people familiar with the proposal. In recent talks with Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix said the potential combination of its streaming service with HBO Max would benefit consumers by lowering the cost of a bundled offering, the sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. They requested anonymity to discuss confidential negotiations. Netflix’s argument seeks to address potential regulatory concerns that combining one of the nation’s leading subscription video streaming services with a top rival would reduce consumer choice and raise prices, the sources said. The services are not currently offered as a bundle by either company.  Warner Bros Discovery has been exploring a sale of all or part of its business, which includes film and television studios, cable networks such as HBO and CNN, and the HBO Max streaming service. Reuters reported in October that Netflix was actively exploring a bid for Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming business, a tie-up that was seen as potentially reshaping the streaming landscape. Now, by framing the acquisition as pro-consumer, Netflix aims to build a case that the deal should withstand a potential regulatory challenge, according to the sources.  Reuters previously reported that Netflix had submitted a mostly cash offer for the studio and streaming unit. Other bidders for Warner Bros Discovery – Paramount Skydance and Comcast – also would use HBO Max, together with the Warner Bros film and television library, to bolster their streaming services. Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Warner Bros Discovery declined to comment. If Netflix's bid is successful, the deal is expected to expand Netflix's movie and television library. But the sources familiar with the matter said the potential combination of the two services is unlikely to radically expand its market share because the vast majority of HBO Max customers also subscribe to Netflix. The combination of HBO Max and Paramount Skydance's Paramount+ would create a top-tier streaming service in the U.S., capable of challenging Netflix and Walt Disney's Disney+ in terms of volume and breadth of content, wrote Bank of America media analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich in a recent report. HBO Max would similarly lift NBCUniversal’s Peacock service, which has yet to turn a profit. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast. “Comcast risks being left behind as PSKY or NFLX scale (their streaming services), limiting Peacock's reach and weakening NBC's ability to compete in the global media market over time,” Ehrlich wrote. A successful acquisition would give Netflix control over Warner Bros’ vast library of content, including the entire HBO catalog, the Warner Bros film archive, and DC Comics properties.  “Netflix is the clear streaming leader in subscribers,” Ehrlich wrote, adding: “It still lags other media companies on deep IP libraries that could offer potential use cases for theme parks, experiences, Broadway shows, gaming and merchandising.” To be sure, Netflix faces its own political headwinds, from criticism by the Pentagon over its content to Republican lawmakers warning that a takeover of Warner Bros Discovery could give it too much control and reduce consumer choice. Alphabet's YouTube remains the country’s largest streaming platform by viewership. (Reporting by Milana Vinn and Dawn Chmielewski in New York; Editing by Dawn Kopecki, Kenneth Li and Matthew Lewis)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Hanna Rantala LONDON, Dec 2 (Reuters) – Hit television series "Fallout" ups the stakes as it returns to screens for a sophomore season, its stars and makers say. "You can play it two ways," actor Walton Goggins said as he premiered the new season in London on Tuesday. "You can play it safe, rely on what happened in season one, or you can go for broke. And we went for broke." Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, the live-action series centres on three main characters; former vault dweller Lucy (Ella Purnell), Maximus, a member of the Brotherhood of Steel (Aaron Moten) and Cooper Howard/The Ghoul (Goggins), a former movie star and mutated bounty hunter. The new season picks up where the season one left off, with Lucy looking for her father Hank (Kyle MacLachlan), and pairing up with The Ghoul on a post-apocalyptic adventure through the Mojave Desert to New Vegas. The show's executive producer, Jonathan Nolan, said audiences could expect "more of everything". "More madness, more humour, more violence. We just try to outdo ourselves," he said. The second season also shows a new side to Lucy as her optimistic attitude clashes with The Ghoul's nihilistic worldview on their way to Sin City, said Purnell. "She's in the wasteland now and she has to survive. You can't always do that by being nice," Purnell said. "I don't want to spoil it, but we'll see what happens to that moral compass." The new season introduces Justin Theroux in the role of Robert House, the ruler of the New Vegas strip, and a major character in the franchise. "It's a bit intimidating," said Theroux. "The players of this game and the fans of the show are really sort of the shareholders, so you don't want to disappoint them. But I worked very hard to hopefully not do that." Also joining the cast are actors Macaulay Culkin and Kumail Nanjiani, as well as a host of new creatures, brought to life by puppeteers. The eight-episode second season of "Fallout" starts streaming on Prime Video on December 17, with a new episode released weekly. (Reporting by Hanna Rantala; Editing by Stephen Coates)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Hanna Rantala LONDON, Dec 2 (Reuters) – Hit television series "Fallout" ups the stakes as it returns to screens for a sophomore season, its stars and makers say. "You can play it two ways," actor Walton Goggins said as he premiered the new season in London on Tuesday. "You can play it safe, rely on what happened in season one, or you can go for broke. And we went for broke." Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, the live-action series centres on three main characters; former vault dweller Lucy (Ella Purnell), Maximus, a member of the Brotherhood of Steel (Aaron Moten) and Cooper Howard/The Ghoul (Goggins), a former movie star and mutated bounty hunter. The new season picks up where the season one left off, with Lucy looking for her father Hank (Kyle MacLachlan), and pairing up with The Ghoul on a post-apocalyptic adventure through the Mojave Desert to New Vegas. The show's executive producer, Jonathan Nolan, said audiences could expect "more of everything". "More madness, more humour, more violence. We just try to outdo ourselves," he said. The second season also shows a new side to Lucy as her optimistic attitude clashes with The Ghoul's nihilistic worldview on their way to Sin City, said Purnell. "She's in the wasteland now and she has to survive. You can't always do that by being nice," Purnell said. "I don't want to spoil it, but we'll see what happens to that moral compass." The new season introduces Justin Theroux in the role of Robert House, the ruler of the New Vegas strip, and a major character in the franchise. "It's a bit intimidating," said Theroux. "The players of this game and the fans of the show are really sort of the shareholders, so you don't want to disappoint them. But I worked very hard to hopefully not do that." Also joining the cast are actors Macaulay Culkin and Kumail Nanjiani, as well as a host of new creatures, brought to life by puppeteers. The eight-episode second season of "Fallout" starts streaming on Prime Video on December 17, with a new episode released weekly. (Reporting by Hanna Rantala; Editing by Stephen Coates)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Milana Vinn and Dawn Chmielewski NEW YORK, Dec 2 (Reuters) – Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's studios and streaming unit is expected to reduce streaming costs for consumers by bundling Netflix and HBO Max, according to two people familiar with the proposal. In recent talks with Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix said the potential combination of its streaming service with HBO Max would benefit consumers by lowering the cost of a bundled offering, the sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. They requested anonymity to discuss confidential negotiations. Netflix’s argument seeks to address potential regulatory concerns that combining one of the nation’s leading subscription video streaming services with a top rival would reduce consumer choice and raise prices, the sources said. The services are not currently offered as a bundle by either company.  Warner Bros Discovery has been exploring a sale of all or part of its business, which includes film and television studios, cable networks such as HBO and CNN, and the HBO Max streaming service. Reuters reported in October that Netflix was actively exploring a bid for Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming business, a tie-up that was seen as potentially reshaping the streaming landscape. Now, by framing the acquisition as pro-consumer, Netflix aims to build a case that the deal should withstand a potential regulatory challenge, according to the sources.  Reuters previously reported that Netflix had submitted a mostly cash offer for the studio and streaming unit. Other bidders for Warner Bros Discovery – Paramount Skydance and Comcast – also would use HBO Max, together with the Warner Bros film and television library, to bolster their streaming services. Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Warner Bros Discovery declined to comment. If Netflix's bid is successful, the deal is expected to expand Netflix's movie and television library. But the sources familiar with the matter said the potential combination of the two services is unlikely to radically expand its market share because the vast majority of Netflix customers also subscribe to HBO Max. The combination of HBO Max and Paramount Skydance's Paramount+ would create a top-tier streaming service in the U.S., capable of challenging Netflix and Walt Disney's Disney+ in terms of volume and breadth of content, wrote Bank of America media analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich in a recent report. HBO Max would similarly lift NBCUniversal’s Peacock service, which has yet to turn a profit. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast. “Comcast risks being left behind as PSKY or NFLX scale (their streaming services), limiting Peacock's reach and weakening NBC's ability to compete in the global media market over time,” Ehrlich wrote. A successful acquisition would give Netflix control over Warner Bros’ vast library of content, including the entire HBO catalog, the Warner Bros film archive, and DC Comics properties.  “Netflix is the clear streaming leader in subscribers,” Ehrlich wrote, adding: “It still lags other media companies on deep IP libraries that could offer potential use cases for theme parks, experiences, Broadway shows, gaming and merchandising.” To be sure, Netflix faces its own political headwinds, from criticism by the Pentagon over its content to Republican lawmakers warning that a takeover of Warner Bros Discovery could give it too much control and reduce consumer choice. Alphabet's YouTube remains the country’s largest streaming platform by viewership. (Reporting by Milana Vinn and Dawn Chmielewski in New York; Editing by Dawn Kopecki, Kenneth Li and Matthew Lewis)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)