NRT briefing
What’s David Zaslav up now after WBD sale? It’s the latest parlor game in media circles
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
David Zaslav, the former CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, has become the subject of intense speculation in media circles about his next move following the completion of the company's $81 billion sale to Paramount. According to a New York Post report by Charles Gasparino, Zaslav recently told an inquirer that he is “still roping cattle, off the grid” while enjoying his newfound free time.
The sale, which took months to complete due to a bidding war and legal challenges from state attorneys general, was finalized after a settlement. As part of the deal, Zaslav is walking away with approximately $1 billion in total compensation for his four-plus-year tenure. The report notes that he fixed the company's infrastructure and slashed debt, helping to boost the stock price from around $7 to $31.
While Zaslav is currently taking downtime with his family in Montana, sources say the 66-year-old is preparing for a second act. Potential options include teaming up with cable pioneer John Malone to do deals or writing a book about his career. He has also told friends he “needs more hobbies” outside of running media companies.