As an AI language model, my knowledge is based on what has been reported up until September 2021. Here are some prominent mergers and acquisitions in the media industry that have taken place this year:
1. Discovery, Inc. and WarnerMedia: Discovery and WarnerMedia agreed to merge their businesses to form a new media company called Warner Bros. Discovery, creating one of the largest streaming services globally.
2. Amazon and MGM: Amazon acquired the film and TV studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) for $8.45 billion, bolstering Amazon’s content library with a vast collection of existing movies and TV shows.
3. WarnerMedia and AT&T: AT&T spun off WarnerMedia, combining it with Discovery, Inc. (mentioned in the first point) in a deal aimed at creating a stronger, focused media entity.
4. Apollo Global Management and Verizon Media: Verizon Communications sold its media group (formerly known as Yahoo!) to Apollo Global Management for $5 billion, creating a new company called Yahoo.
5. ViacomCBS and Latin American Media Conglomerate Telefe: ViacomCBS acquired Argentina’s largest free-to-air broadcaster, Telefe, strengthening the company’s presence in the Latin American market.
6. VMware and Dell’s Cloud Business: Dell Technologies agreed to spin off its cloud computing business, VMware, in a two-step transaction to enhance both companies’ strategic flexibility.
7. Penn National Gaming and Barstool Sports: Penn National Gaming acquired a 36% stake in Barstool Sports, an American sports media company, to gain access to its loyal fanbase and digital media assets.
8. Vice Media and 7 Global: Vice Media acquired 7 Global, a female-focused media and lifestyle company, with the aim of expanding its reach to a broader audience.
9. IAC/InterActiveCorp and Meredith Corporation: IAC acquired several prominent media brands, including People, Better Homes & Gardens, and Entertainment Weekly, from Meredith Corporation for $2.7 billion.
10. Nexstar Media Group and The Hill: Nexstar Media Group acquired the political news website The Hill, expanding its digital news offerings and diversifying revenue streams.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there might be other significant mergers or acquisitions that have taken place or will take place later in the year.