Hawley Questions Netflix CEO Over Children’s Content During Senate Hearing

WASHINGTON (JN) – A Senate hearing on Netflix’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. briefly focused on children’s programming this week. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley questioned Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos about content choices and parental safeguards. Hawley claimed that a large share of Netflix’s children’s shows promotes “transgender ideology,” though he did not provide evidence during the session.

Sarandos rejected the notion that Netflix pushes any political agenda. He highlighted the platform’s diverse content and parental control tools designed to give families flexibility over what children can watch. The exchange highlighted how cultural debates can intersect with corporate oversight and regulatory reviews in Washington.

While the hearing primarily examined the merger’s regulatory implications, lawmakers also scrutinized Netflix’s editorial decisions, content policies, and potential impacts on audiences and employment.

Senate hearing shifts to children’s programming

On Wednesday, Sarandos testified in support of Netflix’s merger plan with Warner Bros., a deal that would require regulatory approval. During the session, Hawley turned attention to children’s content.

“If you turn on Netflix, you’ll find that an enormous amount— and I say this as a parent with three young children—of your children’s programming has this ideology and agenda in it,” Hawley said. He asked whether such content reflected an advocacy position or an ideological commitment by the company.

Hawley also claimed that “almost half” of Netflix’s children’s programming promotes what he called “transgender ideology,” though he cited no studies or sources to support the figure.

Sarandos responded: “Sen. Hawley, Netflix has no political agenda of any kind.”

Netflix highlights content variety and parental controls

Sarandos emphasized the platform’s broad selection and parental control features. He said Netflix offers “millions of hours” of children’s programming covering diverse stories and audiences.

“We feature a wide variety of stories and programs to meet different tastes,” Sarandos said. “We provide tools for families to manage viewing and block any title they might find inappropriate.”

He added that many Netflix employees are parents and share concerns about children’s media consumption. The company aims to allow households to tailor content access according to their preferences.

This approach mirrors industry trends among streaming services, which combine large libraries with user-level filters, profiles, and maturity settings to give caregivers control over children’s viewing.

Cultural issues intersect with merger discussions

Although the hearing focused on the merger’s economic and competitive aspects, it illustrated how cultural questions can arise in congressional oversight. Lawmakers have increasingly questioned tech and media companies about content moderation, editorial policies, and influence, particularly regarding minors.

Sarandos sought to keep the discussion on Netflix’s business rationale. He noted that merging with Warner Bros. would expand the platform’s content portfolio and strengthen its position in the global streaming market.

Hawley raises employment assurances

Hawley said he had “secured a commitment from Netflix to protect American jobs” in relation to the merger. He did not provide further details during the hearing.

Regulators reviewing the deal will likely examine competition effects as well as potential impacts on production, distribution, and employment in the media sector.

The hearing did not feature testimony from child development experts or independent reviews of Netflix’s children’s catalog. Hawley’s claims about the proportion of content were not further investigated.