Comcast plans to spin-off NBCUniversal cable TV networks

Comcast plans to spin-off most of its fading NBCUniversal cable TV networks, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a new publicly traded company, while retaining core entertainment assets for growth in the streaming era.

Comcast Spin-Off of Cable Networks

Comcast is planning to create a new publicly traded company called SpinCo, which will include NBCUniversal's cable television networks and digital assets. The move is driven by the decline of cable TV and the rise of streaming services, impacting stock prices.

DirecTV facing backlash over ESPN blackout

DirecTV is facing backlash from angry customers over an ESPN blackout due to a contract battle with the Walt Disney Company. Customers are threatening to cancel subscriptions and switch to alternative streaming platforms. DirecTV is responding by explaining that disputes are common across the industry and urging customers to stay patient.

Disney Store's removal and return of 'The Acolyte' merchandise

Disney Store removed merchandise for the streaming series 'The Acolyte' but then brought it back. Speculation suggests it was due to avoiding paying residuals. The series had the lowest audience score in Star Wars history and was quickly canceled by Disney. The social justice crowd online criticized the merch removal, and Disney caved in, despite potential financial losses.

Paramount Global Layoffs

Paramount Global is planning to cut its workforce by 15% in an effort to reduce spending by $500 million in 2025, with a focus on marketing, communications, legal, and technology. The layoffs will be completed by the end of the year to transform the organization for the future of streaming.

Disney Streaming Price Hike

Disney is increasing the prices of its streaming services, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, with some subscription plans rising by as much as 25%. The price hikes are attributed to the Kamala Harris economy and Bidenomics.

Paris Olympics Broadcasting

NBC and streaming service Peacock are seeing a surge in viewership during the Paris Olympics, with Peacock streaming every event live. Viewers are enjoying the ability to watch live action due to the time difference between France and the United States. The Paris Olympics has already reached 10 billion streaming minutes, surpassing the three previous summer Olympics combined on digital platforms.

Struggles of Songwriters in the Streaming Era

The article discusses how songwriters are struggling financially in the streaming era due to low royalty rates, with only a small percentage earning a decent income. The disparity between what songwriters and performers earn per stream is highlighted, showcasing the challenges faced by non-performing songwriters in monetizing their work.

Warner Bros. Discovery job cuts and strategic options

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to cut 1,000 jobs after previous layoffs due to a merger. The company is considering strategic options including selling assets and splitting its streaming and studio businesses from its legacy TV networks. The media industry is struggling due to the decline of cable/satellite TV.

Potential Restructuring of Warner Bros. Discovery

Wall Street analysts suggest Warner Bros. Discovery should consider spinning off its linear TV brands into a new company with debt to focus on streaming and studios for growth.

NBA Television Rights and Charles Barkley's Criticism

Charles Barkley criticizes potential shift of NBA's television rights deal to streaming platforms, expressing concerns about accessibility for fans and the impact on TNT's future involvement in broadcasting NBA games.

Paramount Financial Troubles

Paramount is facing financial troubles and plans to sell off assets, cut $500 million in overhead, and make staff cuts. Revenues have increased but operating income has collapsed. Paramount+ gained subscribers but also lost money. The co-CEOs want to modernize the organization and make it more efficient, leading to brutal job cuts. Paramount is in serious trouble and may be up for sale to companies like Apple, Amazon, or Google.

Netflix NFL Livestream Deal

Netflix signed a deal with the NFL to livestream two games on Christmas Day this year and additional games in 2025 and 2026. The deal marks Netflix's first rights to the NFL. The company will pay $150 million per game. Netflix also acquired WWE's Raw and is set to air a series on track & field athletes before the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

Netflix to Show NFL Games on Christmas Day

Netflix will show NFL games on Christmas Day in 2024, 2025, and 2026, marking a major broadcasting breakthrough for the sport. The deal aims to tap into massive fandoms and younger audiences.

Jimmy Kimmel Criticizes Disney and Streaming Services

Jimmy Kimmel criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger and the company's streaming strategy during an upfront presentation, mocking the bundling of services and calling it an 'enormous ad-supported streaming pile of shit.' Kimmel also made jokes about other streaming platforms and Tucker Carlson.

NFL Games on Christmas Day to be Broadcasted on Netflix

Netflix will show two NFL games on Christmas Day in 2024, 2025, and 2026. The deal aims to tap into massive fandoms and attract younger audiences. The NFL and Netflix partnership is seen as a major broadcasting breakthrough for the sport.

Disney's Upfront Presentation and Bob Iger's Remarks

Disney boss Bob Iger expresses optimism about the company's future during an upfront presentation, highlighting key achievements and upcoming projects in the entertainment industry.

Netflix Controversy in the UK Over Graphic Nudity

Netflix faces backlash in the UK for showing a fully erect penis in a mainstream drama series. Viewers express shock and dismay over the graphic nudity, calling it unnecessary and pornographic. Government officials and organizations are calling for stricter regulations on streaming content.

Disney Stock and Streaming Struggles

Rohan Reddy of Global X ETFs warns against buying Disney stock due to struggles with streaming. Despite financial improvements, the stock still dropped 10%. Disney's traditional TV business is declining, and the company is transitioning to a streaming-focused model.

Disney's Financial Challenges and Strategy Shift

Disney's stock plunges over 9% as CEO Bob Iger warns of tough times ahead, particularly in streaming services. The company plans to reduce the number of Marvel movies released per year and focus on streaming for future growth. Disney faces criticism for LGBTQ content and has experienced a significant drop in favorability ratings.

Kim Godwin's Departure from ABC News

Kim Godwin, the first Black woman to run a broadcast network news operation, is retiring from ABC News amid concerns about her management. Debra OConnell will lead ABC News for the foreseeable future.

WNBA game streaming

An enterprising fan stepped in to stream a WNBA game that the league failed to broadcast, gaining significant attention and viewership. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve praised the fan and emphasized the need for the WNBA to adapt to the growing interest in women's basketball.

Paramount Global and Skydance Media Merger Speculation

Chief Executive Bob Bakish is out at Paramount Global, sparking speculation of a merger with Skydance Media. Analysts are skeptical about the future of the company, citing debt, declining TV business, and potential shareholder drama. The company has faced challenges in the entertainment industry, including pressure for streaming profits and layoffs.

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. is a global media and entertainment company formed through the combination of WarnerMedia and Discovery Communications. It operates in three segments: Studios, Network, and DTC, and offers a wide range of content across television, film, streaming, and gaming.

Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Price Decline

Warner Bros. Discovery stock price has drastically declined due to concerns about its streaming and cable business, despite owning popular brands like CNN and HBO. The company faces challenges from the decline in cable subscriptions and increasing competition from platforms like Netflix and TikTok. However, its direct-to-consumer segment is growing with over 97.7 million subscribers. Warner Bros. Discovery also faces significant debt but is seen as undervalued compared to its peers. The stock is currently in a bearish trend but shows signs of a potential bounce back.

Change in Leadership at Paramount Amid Merger and Financial Challenges

Bob Bakish steps down as CEO of Paramount amid merger with Skydance and struggling streaming platform. He will be replaced by an office of the CEO headed by three executives. Shareholders oppose merger with Skydance. Skydance sweetens proposal to acquire Paramount. Paramount faces financial challenges with debt rating downgrade to 'junk' and losses in streaming.

Bob Bakish stepping down as CEO of Paramount

Bob Bakish steps down as CEO of Paramount amid major merger with Skydance and struggling streaming platform. He will be replaced by an office of the CEO headed by three executives. Shareholders oppose merger with Skydance. Skydance sweetens proposal. Paramount faces economic challenges including debt downgrade and streaming losses.

Sony's Potential Acquisition of Paramount

Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra has been in talks with Apollo Global Management about making a go for Paramount. The deal would involve an all-cash offer to acquire outstanding stock in Paramount, potentially making the studio private through a joint venture.

Nielsen's The Gauge™ Report for March 2024

Nielsen released The Gauge™ report for March 2024, showing TV usage changes and shifts in viewing behavior, with cable and streaming categories experiencing different trends.

Video Piracy and Streaming Inflation Impacting Hollywood Studios

Major Hollywood studios are facing a rise in video piracy, leading the Motion Picture Association to push for judicial site-blocking legislation to combat the issue. The piracy problem is growing more advanced and costing the industry over $1 billion annually. Streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix are also increasing prices, potentially driving consumers towards ad-supported options.

Struggles of Unemployed Hollywood Writers

Unemployed Hollywood writers are turning to gig work like bartending and Doordash driving as studios cut spending, resulting in fewer TV shows being greenlit. The industry is struggling due to economic challenges, cord-cutting households, and unsuccessful streaming content.

Paramount Global Downgraded to Junk Status by S&P

Paramount Global has been downgraded to junk status by S&P due to the ongoing plunge in cable TV subscriptions. The studio is facing economic challenges as American households continue to cut cords, impacting advertising revenue and streaming profitability.

Challenges in the Streaming Video Industry

Hollywood streaming business faces challenges with high costs and competition, leading to increased subscription prices and customer churn rates. Consumers are questioning the value of their subscriptions as prices rise.

YouTube TV vs. Traditional Cable Giants

YouTube TV is gaining ground on traditional cable giants in the U.S. and has become a top choice for viewers, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. The platform offers a wide range of content, including live TV, pay-per-view, and on-demand services, making it a 'one-stop shop' for consumers.

Netflix's Dominance in the Streaming Industry

Netflix faced tough competition from major players but managed to maintain its lead in the streaming industry by adding subscribers, diversifying content, cracking down on password sharing, and expanding globally. Analysts believe Netflix has won the streaming wars with its recent success and growth.

Oscar-nominated Films Available for Streaming

Overview of Oscar-nominated films available for streaming on popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+, including details about 'Oppenheimer,' 'Barbie,' 'Poor Things,' and more.

Controversy over Amazon's Remake of Road House

The original screenwriter of the 1989 movie Road House is suing Amazon for alleged copyright infringement, claiming they used AI technology and ignored his rights. Director Doug Liman boycotted the premiere after Amazon opted for a streaming release instead of theatrical. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal disputes Liman's claims, stating Amazon always intended for Road House to be a streaming movie. There is controversy over the use of AI in the film production and conflicting statements from the involved parties.

Paramount Global's Credit Rating Under Scrutiny Amid Transition to Streaming

Paramount Global's credit rating is under scrutiny as the studio transitions from linear TV to streaming, leading to concerns about weaker cash flows. CEO Bob Bakish leads the pivot to streaming as S&P Global considers a possible downgrade due to increased content spending, technology investments, and marketing costs.

Legal Battle Between FuboTV and Hollywood Studios

FuboTV is suing Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery to stop them from creating a rival sports-oriented streaming service. The planned service is expected to offer a variety of sports programming at a starting price of $45 to $50 per month. FuboTV alleges anticompetitive practices and monopolization by the Hollywood studios.

Streaming Success of Older TV Shows

Older television shows like Suits, Gilmore Girls, and Friends have outperformed newer shows like Succession and The Last of Us in terms of streaming views. Suits, a legal drama starring Meghan Markle, was the most streamed show in 2023, with over 57 billion minutes watched.