{
  "id": 12223645,
  "title": "David Zaslav Urges WB Staff to Move Forward as He Bids Farewell Ahead of Paramount Merger Closing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/david-zaslav-urges-wb-staff-to-move-forward-as-he-bids-farewell-ahead",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-05T20:19:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/culture-lifestyle/culture/david-zaslav-bids-farewell-warner-bros-paramount-merger/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a video message, outgoing Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav expressed his gratitude to the company's staff as they prepare for the merger with Paramount Skydance. \"For me, it's been a great honor to be alongside all of you,\" Zaslav said in the message, which was shared by a media outlet. \"I hope you take pride in what you've built, what you've created and the role you've played in shaping an extraordinary history.\"\n\nZaslav, who is set to depart once the deal closes, is eligible to receive a substantial compensation package worth at least $551.5 million under the merger. This package includes $34.22 million in cash, $517.2 million in equity, and $44.2 million in benefits, such as $6 million in salary severance and $28.2 million in bonus severance.\n\nThe equity portion of the package consists of $443.13 million in stock options, 60.87 million in restricted stock units, and 13.21 million in performance-based restricted stock units. Additionally, Zaslav is eligible to receive tax reimbursement, though this amount will decrease over time depending on when the merger is finalized.\n\nZaslav's message highlighted the significance of the work done by the staff, emphasizing that every moment of success is a result of the collective effort and dedication of everyone involved. \"Behind every one of those moments is the work, talent and commitment of everyone who does their part to bring it all to life,\" Zaslav noted. \"Honoring the work that came before us, doing our part to carry it forward and knowing that the work continues.\"\n\nAs Zaslav bids farewell, he expressed his excitement for the future and his gratitude for the time spent at Warner Bros. Discovery. \"I can't wait to see what you do in the years ahead,\" he said, acknowledging the staff's spirit, ingenuity, creativity, and courage.",
  "summary": "“I can’t wait to see what you do in the years ahead. I’m so grateful for all these years at Warner Bros. Discovery,” the CEO tells his employees The post David Zaslav Urges WB Staff to Move Forward as He Bids Farewell Ahead of Paramount Merger Closing appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "David Zaslav thanks WB staff for their work ahead of Paramount merger",
    "Zaslav eligible for $551.5M compensation package in deal",
    "Staff's efforts highlighted as crucial to WB's success"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Deadline",
        "title": "David Zaslav’s Farewell: Warner Bros. Discovery CEO Signs Off In Video To Staff",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/david-zaslavs-farewell-warner-bros-discovery-ceo-signs-off-in-video",
        "published": "2026-10-05T20:29:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}