WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar Tackles HBO Max Launch, Brand Confusion, Streaming Rivals In CNBC Interview
Dade Hayes Finance EditorIn an interview with CNBC, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar addressed the launch of HBO Max, conceded a “mistake” with HBO branding and comparing Max with Disney and NBCUniversal’s streaming efforts.Today’s interview (watch a large chunk of it above) was Kilar’s first since major layoffs hit WarnerMedia this week. Starting late Friday and continuing Monday, some 600 staffers departed the company, a roster headed by Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly, the two executives shepherding the May 27 debut of HBO Max.Kilar, who started as CEO on May 1, wasn’t asked about the layoffs in general, though he did field one query about the cable networks Reilly oversaw.