In 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shares rose 170% because investors thought Netflix or Paramount might buy the company. After merging with Dish Network and increasing its stake in SpaceX amid rumors of an IPO, EchoStar’s stock skyrocketed 370%. Alphabet’s stock went up 65% because of the success of its Gemini AI platform.
Speculation led to huge gains for important media companies. WBD did well during M&A waves, and EchoStar did well with Dish integration and SpaceX ties. Alphabet was a rare bright spot in the world of traditional media.
Shares of Comcast fell 20% because people were worried about its slowing broadband business. After going public, Angel Studios’ stock fell 53%, and Trump Media & Technology Group’s stock fell sharply.
M&A rumors and tech crossovers helped some companies win, while old problems like losing subscribers on linear TV hurt others. Investors betting on SpaceX’s possible IPO in 2026 helped EchoStar’s stock rise even more. In general, 2025 showed a move toward AI and consolidation in the media.
