Jeff Bewkes

Former CEO of Time Warner, Independent

Search every verified Jeff Bewkes interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Jeff Bewkes, former CEO of Time Warner, has been publicly discussing the history of HBO, the AT&T-Time Warner merger, and the liability of social media platforms. In an April 2023 interview, Bewkes described HBO's origins as a pay-TV service that shifted to original scripted series to compete with the video rental industry. He also commented on the AT&T merger, stating that the deal "didn't turn out as well as we hoped" and that AT&T's management of Time Warner's networks was not the intended outcome; he described the company's approach as "malpractice." Bewkes noted that the merger was pursued to gain a direct consumer platform and data capabilities similar to those of Netflix and Amazon. Bewkes has also advocated for revising Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, arguing that large social media platforms should be held responsible for false or defamatory content they knowingly amplify, similar to traditional media outlets. He stated that the current liability shield is outdated and that reform, rather than repeal, would allow for a level playing field while protecting smaller startups. Bewkes emphasized that his position is not about censorship but about accountability for content that platforms choose to monetize and target to users.