AT&T chief executive John Stankey, who last spring decided to split from WarnerMedia, a $ 43 billion Discovery merger, sent WarnerMedia employees a bouquet of flowers when the deal closed.
On a personal note (read it in full below), Stankey praised WarnerMedia’s “extraordinary work” during its nearly three years of ownership of AT&T.
“You should congratulate and praise. The road was neither easy nor clear, ”Stanke wrote. You have laid the foundation for a proud legacy and historic brands that can go on for another decade, with even broader and more compelling cultural influences than ever.
Stankey praised CEO Jason Killar. The CEO is here today with his direct employees, before the transaction is completed.
He has also become unusually thoughtful. “Getting to this point was one of the hardest decisions of my life. “I’m sure you won’t be surprised that this has generated a lot of anxiety, frustration and worry about the changes it will bring,” she wrote. “Overall, I am convinced that we have found the right path.
Last year AT&T also eliminated pay TV operator DirecTV with a new 30% stake in the private company TPG.
Here is the full note:
To my colleagues at WarnerMedia,
As we work to complete the combination of WarnerMedia and Discovery and Warner Bros. On the occasion of the launch of Discovery, I wanted to share some thoughts with you.
In July 2018 I wrote to you:
We have a unique opportunity to truly lead the transformation taking place in media and entertainment, directly in technology and customer delivery. We are at a rare tipping point where the direction and structure of content and distribution, which is central to nearly everyone on the planet, to society and to those around them, will be shaped over the coming decades.
Today we can clearly see that you have done a very good work that has reached the point that I highlighted almost four years ago. It’s certainly still a job, but its results have been outstanding. The results and the trajectory are clear. Three proud and historic guys have made tough decisions to collaborate and work together in ways that weren’t the norm four years ago. By doing all the important work of running a company in transition, he has brought the best that each entity has to offer to create something new, something that creatives want and consumers all over the world embrace. You have created a foundation capable of promoting proud heritage and historic brands for another decade with even broader and more compelling cultural influences than ever.
You should be congratulated and praised. The path was neither easy nor clear. I want to especially thank Jason and the entire WarnerMedia leadership for leading this amazing evolution at the most unprecedented moment we’ve ever seen in a company, industry or world. Those at the table really understand the problems and challenges that need to be overcome to get to this point. I am happy to see the progress and success you have seen and I am sure you will move on to the next chapter with even more opportunities. Thank you so much.
I have always worked hard to make my life a life without regrets. I would like to say that I didn’t have any, but there are several. Shari was right that we should have had a fourth child! I close this chapter with the two of you: my frustration at not being on track as you successfully complete this wonderful transition and at losing some regular relationships in a professional relationship, which I really enjoyed. My respect and gratitude to those I have worked closely with is constant and I will continue to learn and solve problems with you. I especially miss working behind the scenes to develop wonderful stories and performances that come from your daily passion. Your friendship and support when it was not needed will always be remembered.
Getting to this point was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I’m sure it won’t surprise you that a lot of anxiety, frustration and worry about the changes it will bring followed. With all of this in mind, I am confident that we have found the right path. Over time, the combination of WarnerMedia and Discovery will produce a stronger company and accelerate the already strong pace of innovation and change it has established. I will reap the rewards of your hard work as you build the future of WBD! Most importantly, I will be energetically by your side and encourage your success in founding one of the most loved media brands in the world.
Congratulations, thanks again and good luck to everyone.
Juan
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Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
