Monthly Archives: April 2013

News Corporation

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News_Corporation

http://logok.org/news-corporation/

http://www.newscorp.com | @NWScorp | 1211 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 | (212) 852-7000

 

A Brief History

News Corporation was formed in 1979 when Rupert Murdoch needed a holding company for News Limited. News Limited began as a small Australian newspaper founded by the Murdoch family in 1923. Rupert Murdoch helped turn that small paper into one of the largest media conglomerates the world has ever seen. News Corporation has holdings in print, television, film, and web. They own everything from the Wall Street Journal to 20th Century Fox. Even after being hit by an international phone hacking scandal, it seems like nothing can slow down this media empire.

News Corporation is perhaps best known for their work on the small screen. They are behind such classic shows as The Simpsons, American Idol, Family Guy, Glee, and everything else under the Fox umbrella. The juggernaut behind one of the most successful networks in the world still has the drive to grow and prosper. Their effort, combined with that of NBC Universal and Disney saw the creation of Hulu.com, an ad-supported television streaming site. There is also a lot of speculation that the Murdoch Empire plans to add the LA Times to their collection.

http://www.toptenz.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/homer-strangles-bart.png

Board of Directors

Rupert Murdoch – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, News Corporation

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/files/2010/09/rupert-murdoch.jpg

Jose Maria Aznar – President, Foundation for Social Studies and Analysis, Former President of Spain

Chase Carey – President and Chief Operating Officer, News Corporation

http://mediaserver.pulse2.com/uploads/2009/06/chase-carey.jpg

Natalie Bancroft – Director, News Corporation

Peter L. Barnes – Chairman, Metcash Limited

News Corp continues to invest in cable TV while other content providers worry about the long term security of the revenue stream. It was announced in late March 2013 that the channel FX would be getting a sister channel named FXX [1]. FXX will be targeting the coveted 18-34 demographic. In order to reach this younger audience, content will be transplanted from FX to FXX. Shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia will be moved to FXX once the channel launches on Sept. 2nd [2]. Because the channel will be launching with a potential audience of 70 million homes, News Corp is hoping that such a large potential audience will bring in lots of ad money [2].

http://brandnewcool.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/its-always-sunny-cast-pic.jpg

New logo for FXX channel

New logo for FXX channel

[I CANNOT EMBED MY VIDEO SO HERE IS THE LINK]

Always Sunny – FXX Promo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPGvs9ewFiE


FXX isn’t the only new channel that News Corp will be launching. They will also be launching a new sports channel, dubbed Fox Sports 1 [1]. Launching the new channel won’t be as expensive for News Corp as it would seem. What the company is essentially doing is rebranding their existing Speed Channel into a seemingly different channel [1]. Because they already own the rights to NASCAR, the NFL, MLB, and more than twenty local sports channels, finding content for the new channel won’t be a difficult task [1].

Although it sounds like News Corp is just shifting around their existing content, the stock market is expected to respond positively [3]. It might take a few years for Fox Sports 1 to gain an audience, but investors see a lot of potential in the new channel. Matthew Harrigan, a Wunderlich Securities analyst, raised his price target to $36, a $4 jump [3]. Although they don’t expect to be able to compete with ESPN, that might not be the case for competitor NBC Sports. President and COO Chase Carey told investors that the channel should see a loss for the first few years in order to give it the financial boost it needs. He urged “not to try to beat ESPN”, stating that financial success of the network would come in time [6].

The company is doing very well financially. According to the second quarter earnings released for 2013, News Corp reported earnings of $1.58 billion, up from $1.5 billion a year ago [4]. Their current stock price sits at $31.57 a share [5].

Current stock listing for News Corp

Current stock listing for News Corp

Despite their financial success, News Corp is worried. Every TV network has been closely watching the Aereo court cases. After Aereo won the first two court cases again them, the content producers started to get upset. Producing content becomes a lot less profitable when your content can be streamed online without any compensation. President and COO of News Corp Chase Carey might end up changing the way his network runs if this trend continues. On April 8th at the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas, Mr. Carey claimed that if Aereo came out on top in court, he would take Fox off the air in favor of a subscription-based service [7]. Although doubtful that Carey could pull Fox off the air, it’s too early to predict what will happen next.

Disney and News Corp. are trying to figure out what to do with Hulu. On April 7th, 2013 a bid was placed on the popular video streaming site [9]. The $500m offer came from Peter Chernin, the former president of News Corp [9]. It is not yet known if the offer will be accepted or not. Earlier reports indicated that even if somebody were to buy Hulu.com, they wouldn’t necessarily be buying the content that goes with it. After spending millions of the website, the new owner would still have to go through discussions with Disney, News Corp, and NBC regarding the cost to stream their content on the web [8].

Although News Corp is doing well, so are their competitors. The Walt Disney Company is currently listed at $58.82 on the NASDAQ [10]. Comcast, now the parent company of NBC Universal, is listed at $41.63 a share [11]. The competition will only increase, but News Corporation has what it takes to compete.

 

[1] News Corp continues to invest in TV; creates FXX, Fox Sports 1

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-cbs-news-corp-bet-on-cable-20130329,0,4037460.story

[2] News Corp’s FXX launch date, intended audience

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-fx-fxx-20130327,0,5837402.story

[3] How the markets are likely to respond to new sports network

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/analysts-boost-news-corp-target-426258

[4] News Corp Q2 2013 report

http://www.newscorp.com/investor/download/NWS_Q2_2013.pdf

[5] News Corp NASDAQ stock price index

http://investor.newscorp.com/stockquote.cfm

[6] COO and president on initial Fox Sports 1 years

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-sports-network-espn-new-426046

[7] News Corp COO threatens to pull Fox from the air if Aereo wins court battle

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/apr/08/news-corp-threatens-fox-aereo

[8] Potential Hulu buyers, raises questions over who owns the content

http://allthingsd.com/20130325/hulu-isnt-for-sale-yet-but-buyers-are-asking/

[9] 500m bid on Hulu.com from former News Corp President

http://arstechnica.com/business/2013/04/hulu-seeks-buyers-gets-500-million-bid-from-former-news-corp-president/

[10] The Walt Disney Company’s listing on the NASDAQ

http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/dis#.UWNxbFfkcdg

[11] Comcast’s listing on the NASDAQ

http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/cmcsa#.UWNyTlfkcdg

Always Sunny in Philly FXX Promo

CBS Corp.

Posted on by 
by Weiran

Photo Courtesy of CBS Corporation [2]

CBS Headquarters,

51 W. 52nd Street,

New York, NY10019-6188

1-212-975-4321

http://www.cbscorporation.com/

Overview:

Originally founded as Viacom in 1970, The Columbia Broadcast System (CBS) Corporation separated from Viacom and became an independent new firm in 2006. It started trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in January 13, 2006. CBS focuses on every field of media and entertainment, including cable, publishing, radio, local TV, film, outdoors advertising, and interactive and socially responsible media. It owns the most-watched television network in the U.S. and one of the world’s largest libraries of entertainment content.

Key Executives:

Sumner M. Redstone, Executive Chairman

Photo Courtesy of CBS Corporation [2]

Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation

Photo Courtesy of CBS Corporation [2]

Anthony G. Ambrosio, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, CBS Corporation

Photo Courtesy of CBS Corporation [2]

Louis J. Briskman, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, CBS Corporation

Photo Courtesy of CBS Corporation [2]

Martin D. Franks, Executive Vice President, Planning, Policy and Government Affairs, CBS Corporation

Photo Courtesy of CBS Corporation [2]

The CBS Corporation:

 

Photo Courtesy of CBS.com [12]

CBS Television Network was founded in 1928. It offers more than 200 television stations and affiliates reaching virtually every home in the United States. The Network has the No.1 drama/scripted program, NCIS; No.1 sitcom, TWO AND A HALF MEN; and No.1 daytime drama, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. It programs with CBS Entertainment, CBS News, and CBS Sports.

 

Judge Judith Sheindlin hosts the courtroom presence on the TV show Judge Judy, Photo Courtesy of CBS Corporation [2]

CBS Television Distribution (CTD) is successful for its television syndication. It holds the largest distributed television library at 70,000 hours strong. Well-known as its critically-acclaimed programs, CBS Television Distribution produces the No.1 syndicated series Judge Judy; talk leader Dr. Phil.
As a big unit of CBS Corporation, CTD handles the domestic television distribution of CBS News, CBS Films and Showtime.

Photo Courtesy of CBS Corporation [2]

Formed as a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, the CW is the only broadcast network “targeting women 13-34”. [3] The network currently runs programming six days a week: Monday through Fridays in the afternoon and in prime time, along with a Saturday morning children’s programming block produced by Saban Brands called Vortexx.Financials:

The stock price of CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) has been going up since the beginning of this year. It has been on the top watch-list and top stocks for three month. CBS.A and CBS has become the most active NYSE stocks and surged up 2.51% to $44.88 on a traded volume of 10.59 million shares. [5] Shares of CBS Corporation closed at $44.98, up $0.29 (+0.65%) in the first trading session this year. [6]

The stock moved ahead 0.04% and closed the trading activity at $45.92. The day range of the stock was $45.44 – $46.00. The yearly trend of the stock remained positive +52.25%. [7]

CBS has seen an increase in hedge fund sentiment recently. Greenlight Capital holds the largest position in CBS Corporation (NYSE:CBS). The second is Highfields Capital Management, which held a $156 million position. Highfields Capital Management established the most valuable position in CBS Corporation (NYSE:CBS) and invested over 150 million into CBS Corporation at the end of the quarter this year.

CBS Corporation has reported regarding its intention to publish results for the Q1 f 2013 after the New York market closes on 1st May, 2013. At the same day, CBS Corporation will also report results for the first quarter of 2013 after the market closes. The Company will then conduct a teleconference call at 4:30 PM, ET. [8]

In the News:

In March 13th, 2013, CBS Studios International and Japan’s Avex Entertainment Inc. announced the expansion of their multi-year licensing agreement to include CBS programming on SoftBank Mobile’s subscription video-on-demand service, UULA. The UULA service will include the content from CBS’s extensive television library, including early seasons of current hits such as NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles and 90210 and full seasons of classic series such as Star Trek, Star Trek: Enterprise, Medium and The 4400. [9]

The expansion of CBS Corporation is not only international. In March 14th, it announced the launch of the new CBS App for iPhone and iPad users, offering full-episode streaming of CBS programming from primetime, daytime and late night. The new app further extends the approach of the shows’ audience, providing more flexibility and opportunity for catch-up viewing and opens yet another monetization window for the Company’s industry-leading content. [10]

In March 26th, 2013, CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) announced that the companies have entered into a 50/50 partnership. Under the deal, CBS will acquire a 50% stake in entertainment cable network TVGN and TVGuide.com. The basic cable network will still be entertainment focused. CBS is using content brands to gain access to a highly distributed basic cable network from Lionsgate. The venture combine CBS’s programming, production and marketing assets with Lionsgate’s resources in motion pictures, television and digitally delivered content. [4]

In March 27, CBS Corporation has announced that it will be renewing 18 prime-time shows, including 4 comedies and 8 dramas. Only one of the network’s newcomers will have a new lease, Elementary. [11] Another remarkable information from this announcement is that CBS has not included one hit drama series, Criminal Minds. However, there is a possibility that it is delayed by ongoing re-negotiations of contracts for the cast.

Elementary stars Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu. Photo: Craig Blankenhorn

Sources:

[1] About Us | Diversity. CBS Corporation | Home.

http://diversity.cbscorporation.com/page.php?id=3

[2] CBS Corporation | Home. (n.d.). CBS Corporation | Home.

http://www.cbscorporation.com/index.php

[3] About Us | Official Site of the CW Network | CW Television Shows | CW TV

http://www.cwtv.com/thecw/about-the-cw/

[4] CBS Corporation : CBS AND LIONSGATE ENTER 50/50 PARTNERSHIP ON HIGHLY DISTRIBUTED ENTERTAINMENT CABLE NETWORK| 4-Traders| Stock Market Quotes and News

http://www.4-traders.com/CBS-CORPORATION-14804/news/CBS-Corporation-CBS-AND-LIONSGATE-ENTER-50-50-PARTNERSHIP-ON-HIGHLY-DISTRIBUTED-ENTERTAINMENT-CABL-16583378/

[5] Most Active NYSE Stocks: Merck & Co, CBS Corporation, Advanced Micro Devices, American International Group Inc. Mar 5, 2013| Press Releases| SBWire

http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/most-active-nyse-stocks-merck-co-cbs-corporation-advanced-micro-devices-american-international-group-inc-217811.htm

[6] CBS Corporation (CBS) – Trading Recap| Avafin

http://www.avafin.com/articles/1021711.html

[7] Broadcasting – TV Big Giants: Entravision Communication (NYSE:EVC), CBS Corporation (NYSE:CBS)| NetPRNews

http://netprnews.com/broadcasting-tv-big-giants-entravision-communication-nyseevc-cbs-corporation-nysecbs/1213806/

[8] CBS Corporation: Results and News Corp Annoucement: (NYSE:CBS), (NSDAQ:NWSA)| CBS Corporation| NYSE| Shares| 4-Traders Homepage

http://www.4-traders.com/CBS-CORPORATION-14804/news/CBS-Corporation-Results-and-News-Corp-Announcement-NYSE-CBS-NASDAQ-NWSA-16506209/

[9] CBS Corporation : CBS STUDIOS INTERNATIONAL AND AVEX ENTERTAINMENT INC. EXPAND ON DEMAND MOBILE VIDEO DEAL TO SOFTBANK MOBILE’S UULA SERVICE| CBS Corporation| NYSE| Shares| 4-Traders Homepage

http://www.4-traders.com/CBS-CORPORATION-14804/news/CBS-Corporation-CBS-STUDIOS-INTERNATIONAL-AND-AVEX-ENTERTAINMENT-INC-EXPAND-ON-DEMAND-MOBILE-VIDE-16543509/

[10] CBS Corporation: CBS Launches Full-Episode Streaming App For iPad and iPhone| CBS Corporation| NYSE| Shares| 4-Traders Homepage

http://www.4-traders.com/CBS-CORPORATION-14804/news/CBS-Corporation-CBS-LAUNCHES-FULL-EPISODE-STREAMING-APP-FOR-iPAD-AND-iPHONE-16539868/

[11] CBS Corporation (NYSE:CBS) Renews 18 Prime Time TV Shows| Market News Call Home

http://www.marketnewscall.com/cbs-corporation-nysecbs-renews-18-prime-time-tv-shows/12924/

 

Ion Media Networks

Posted on by 
by Mike DelloStritto

Ion Media Networks [14]

Ion Media Networks [14]

601 Clearwater Park Road West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Phone: (561) 659-4122

EXECUTIVES

ABOUT ION MEDIA NETWORKS

Ion Media Networks was founded in 1984 under the name “Paxson Communications”.  It wasn’t until 2006 that the company rebranded itself into what is now known as Ion Media Networks.  The company today focuses their efforts in three areas: general entertainment television, special interest television, and mobile television.

Ion is considered a pioneer when it comes to providing their audiences with special interest television.  They are the first to have launched two 24/7 DTV channels: Qubo and Ion Life [1].  Qubo is a safe haven for young kids to access entertainment that is always “good fun”.  Qubo claims to be one of the few networks that offer age-appropriate programming to the underserved age group of 5 to 8 year olds.  Ion Life is a channel dedicated to those with healthy, active lifestyles.  The various programming options on this channel look to inspire, entertain, and encourage people to live their best possible lives.

In addition to special interest television, Ion co-founded the industry movement to bring television to mobile devices.  Ion is a founding member of Mobile Content Venture (MCV), along with NBCUniversal, Fox and leading broadcast station groups [2].  Their division of mobile television, Dyle, provides viewers with access to live, local broadcast television through compatible mobile devices in select markets.

General entertainment television is Ion’s most prominent media outlet.  They are a leading, high quality U.S. network, constantly providing innovation and growth to the industry.  They serve an adult audience ages 25-54, and have recently expanded their reach to 260 million Americans in over 100 million U.S. households [3].  Their viewership has doubled since rebranding to “Ion Television” in 2008, climbing from nowhere to inside the top 15 cable ratings [4].  Their slogan “Positively Entertaining” lives up to the bill with syndicated programming such as: Criminal Minds, Numbers, Cold Case, and their original series Flash Point, in addition to many others.  Their programming also includes various movie titles.

THE BEGINNING OF THE CAMPAIGN

Ion Television’s lineup of fully syndicated programming makes it difficult to persuade marketers to advertise on their channel.  It is presumably more attractive for marketers to reach out to one of Ion’s competitors such as CBS or Fox, and advertise where programming is more diverse.  Ion isn’t holding an upfront in 2013 to gain advertising on their channels like ABC, A&E, truTV, and Bravo (to name a few) are holding [5].  Instead, Ion must develop unique and creative ways to reach their advertisers.

Announced on March 4, 2013, the rebranding of Ion television and their new multi-tiered B2B campaign, introducing the ‘Ionthusiasts’, is exactly the creative buzz the network needs [6].  To go along with the campaign, Ion television will be releasing their new network logo under their already established tagline “Positively Entertaining”.

INTRODUCING THE IONTHUSIASTS

The bulk of the campaign is centered on the “Ionthusiasts”.  According to independent research studies conducted by the network, Ion leads all of cable in adult co-viewing in households watching TV together.  The data shows Ion is number 1 in cable for hours watched per viewer, and 69% of these committed viewers are watching marathons on a routine basis.  After digesting this data, Barker DZP, the New York-based agency that developed the creative decided, “Ion viewers are highly engaged and unique in their passion for the network’s programming, they make an appointment to watch this content live for several hours at a time, which is why ‘Ionthusiasts’ is such an appropriate descriptor” [7].

Barker DZP Advertising [21]

Barker DZP Advertising [21]

The campaign will carry media buys across many different platforms including spots in print and out-of-home; however, the most intricate are the online spots.  The network chose Barker DZP’s approach because, “their campaign truly reflected the attributes of our viewers…we found the perfect moniker that fully represents the quality of our audience and their enthusiasm for the Ion Television brand” [8].

The Ionthusiasts have a separate website displaying the three fictional couples (the Ionthusiasts) based on Ion’s key demographics: adults 25-34, 35-44, and 45-54.  Each couple has a “profile” explaining some key facts about the particular age demo.  These facts include: why they watch Ion Television, the percentage of having kids, some hobbies they enjoy, and their personality traits [9].

Ion Demographics [21]

Ion Demographics [22]

  Each couple even has a little video so the advertisers can see each demographic in action.

Dean & Steph [23]

Dean & Steph [23]

Next, there is a “Learn About Ion” tab that contains a sizzle reel of their top shows [10].  However, the site goes even more in depth with an interactive section, allowing advertisers and marketers to drill down even deeper into the types of people that watch Ion Television.  In order to receive a username to partake in the interactive part of the site, you must be an employee of a media planning & buying agency, advertising agency, or an advertiser [11].  Once you receive a username, you can play an interactive game that follows one of the Ionthusiasts families through their day.  At each stoppage you make a decision to progress the family further along; this is useful to an advertiser because an “Ionthusiasts Fact”, which gives the player even more intricate details about the exact viewer, supports each decision you end up making.  As you can see in the picture, the fact explains, through an MRI Spring 2012 Study, that Ionthusiasts are pet owners, suggesting the answer to the question is to travel to the pet store [12].

Interactive game [24]

Interactive game [24]

  These Ionthusiasts Facts clue marketers and advertisers into the minute details of each demographic, creating opportunities for super specified advertising to develop.  For example, if Pet Smart knows that Ion has a very dedicated viewing audience, and that same dedicated audience owns pets, purchasing a media buy on this channel would be ideal for both parties.  In addition to gaining insight on viewers, the marketers that play the game can earn points that go towards prizes such as iPads, vacations, and gift cards.

 THE ION LONGUE

Ion Lounge [25]

Ion Lounge [25]

Ion Media Networks did not neglect their dedicated fans through their campaign and rebrand.  They developed an offshoot from the Ion Television website called the “Ion Lounge” [13].  It is a fun, colorful, and interactive site for fans to get their Ion fix long after their favorite show is over.  The Ion Lounge allows you to play games and answer trivia about the shows.  Each time you complete a game or answer a question right, you earn points that can later be traded in for prizes.  These prizes do not compare to the Ionthusiasts prizes the marketers can win, but rather act as a token of fan-hood for the network with items such as t-shirts, tumblers, and drawstring bags.  In addition, fans can create their very own “Ion Lounge” and upload it to the gallery where others can view the creation.  It’s simple, but a great way to keep the viewers active with the brand.

It takes a creative genius such as those working at Barker DZP to develop such an ambitious and unique plan for attracting advertisers, but it seems as though Ion certainly has a good thing in the works thus far.  It is still early in the campaign, but I’m sure they are going to be very happy with the results when it comes to an end.

 

 

Sources:

[1] Ion Media Networks Milestones

[2] Mobile Content Venture

[3] Ad Age Branded Content

[4] Ion Media Networks Milestones

[5] 2013 Upfront Season Overview

[6] TV News Check – Ion New Look

[7] TV by the Numbers – Multi-Tiered B2B

[8] Broadcasting Cable – ‘IONTHUSIASTS’ Marketing Campaign

[9] Meet the Ionthusiasts

[10] Ion Television Sizzle Reel

[11] Ionthusiasts – How it Works

[12] Ionthusiasts – Dean & Stephanie

[13] Ion Lounge

[14] Ion Media Networks Logo

[15] Brandon Burgess

[16] Chris Addeo

[17] Jeff Quinn

[18] Douglas Holloway

[19] Old Ion Logo

[20] New Ion Logo

[21] Barker DZP Logo

[22] Ion Demographics

[23] Dean & Steph

[24] Interactive game

[25] Ion Lounge

[26] Lounge example

[27] Lounge homepage

 

 

 

 

 

CBS Radio

Posted on by 
by Sarah Shelton

1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
(212) 846-3939
www.cbsradio.com

About CBS Radio

CBS Radio, a division of the television and radio company CBS Corporation, is the third largest radio station owner and operator in America with 127 broadcast stations in 28 major markets across the country under its control, and over 70 million listeners tuning in weekly.[1] Its flagship broadcast formats are sports, news and talk, and CBS Radio continues to be the largest broadcaster of play-by-play coverage and discussion of the major sports franchises in America, including the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL.[2] CBS Radio also offers local digital media in over two dozen markets in the US, with local traffic, news, weather as well as other recorded content for on demand access on the Internet and custom mobile apps.[3] CBS Radio’s particular attention to on-air personalities has made it a continual standout in the increasing switch to automated and syndicated radio programming for broadcast radio today.[4]


Key People

Dan Mason

Dan Mason was named president and CEO of CBS Radio in 2012 and oversees all stations as well as the day-to-day operations of the subsidiary. He reports directly to CBS Corporation CEO, Leslie Moonves. Mason has been with CBS Radio for almost two decades, previously serving as an advisor and consultant before stepping up for the role of CEO. He has an extensive background in radio programming and his success with the strategic growth of CBS stations has been reflected in ratings from listeners of all ages.[5]

Kevin Weatherly

Kevin Weatherly is the Senior Vice President of Programming at CBS Radio, the Program Director of the top stations in the Los Angeles market, and also Kevin of Kevin and Bean, the flagship personalities of LA’s KROQ FM. He has been with CBS Radio for over two decades, helping develop audiences for fledgling bands through strategic programming and monumental development for the music industry and radio relationship. He has received accolades and awards from virtually every music publication, including Rolling Stone Magazine, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly and more.[6]

A Brief History

In 1927, talent agent Arthur Jodson created the radio network United Independent Broadcasters in order to showcase the artists that he was working with and as an act of defiance to his employer for refusing to include his roster in their broadcasts. He named the new venture United Independent Broadcasters, but was soon merged with the Columbia Phonograph Company after financial struggles threatened to bury the station before it had even begun. Under the new name Columbia Phonograph Broadcasting Company, the station was launched in September 1927 and quickly grew to earn affiliates and employees, enough to catch the eye of investor William Paley, who bought the station in January 1929 rebranded as Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). The station continued to grow by embracing advertising, and became a frontrunner in national radio. The company also expanded with ventures in television and film, putting CBS on the map as one of the top media companies in the world. After being outbid for the rights to NFL Broadcast in 1993 and under new leadership, CBS was sold to Westinghouse Corporation for $5.4 billion and put under the control of Viacom. In 2005 with the economic downturn, the television and film divisions of CBS were spun off under Viacom to improve stock market performance and the radio sector along with Infinity Broadcasting, a division of Viacom, were merged and rebranded as the new CBS Radio.[7]

Timeline of Recent Events

On January 2, 2013, CBS Radio launched the largest major market 24 hour sports stations featuring high profile personalities, player and coach interviews, national game coverage and more. This is an effort to condense the 10 million listeners that tune in weekly to over 100 CBS affiliate stations for sports programming, and is meant to compete with rival ESPN Radio.[8]

On January 3, 2013, CBS streamed Bon Jovi’s Tampa concert on Radio.com, the first live event streaming venture for the company. This is meant to rival the live streaming features of iHeartRadio, currently the frontrunner in online radio streaming and app-based radio services, and will lead to many more given the success. A first attempt in December 2012 was postponed due to a major storm affecting the East Coast.[9] 

On February 7, 2013, Kevin Weatherly announced a renewal of his contract with CBS Radio, after more than 20 years of unparalleled contribution to the music industry and radio programming today. An on air personality himself on KROQ FM as well as a main contributor to radio’s second largest market in the nation, Los Angeles, Kevin is excited to continue to use his skills and expertise to benefit CBS Radio.[10]

The pioneering program CBS World News Roundup celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 13, 2013. It is the longest running newscast in history and provided a benchmark from which modern newscasts would be modeled. News programming was the capstone of CBS Radio programming in the 1950s and 1960s, when Americans turned to radio for entertainment and realtime war coverage. Legendary reporters such as Robert Trout and Edward R. Murrow got their start and made their mark on this program.[11]

Financials

On March 27, 2013 CBS reported fiscal year-end results: revenue is up 2% to $3.7 billion and says that revenues from non-advertising sources is growing even faster than those from advertising.[12]

Screen Shot 2013-04-07 at 7.30.21 PMAs a venture of CBS Corporation, the stock price of CBS Radio is dependent on the overall stock performance of all areas of the company in the market. As of April 5, 2013, CBS Corporation stocks are at 45.20 a share, with over 8 million shares on the market. The stock prices tend to fluctuate and rise around the most popular sports seasons, but typically stick around 45.00 a share.[13]

References
1. http://cbsradio.com
2. http://www.cbsradio.com/broadcast
3. http://www.cbsradio.com/local-digital
4. http://www.cbsradio.com/broadcast
5. http://www.cbsradio.com/executives?bio=dan-mason
6. http://www.cbsradio.com/programming?bio=kevin-weatherly
7. http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=columbiabroa
8. http://www.cbspressexpress.com/cbs-sports-radio/releases/view?id=34174
9. http://insideradio.com/article.asp?id=2623795#.UWHZt1vwJBo
10. http://www.cbspressexpress.com/cbs-radio/releases/view?id=34527
11. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57573836/reporting-on-history-cbs-world-news-roundup-marks-75-years/
12. http://insideradio.com/article.asp?id=2617560#.UWHZwFvwJBo
13. https://www.google.com/search?q=cbs+stock&aq=f&oq=cbs+stock&aqs=chrome.0.57j0l2j60j0j62.1484&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

Univision

Posted on by

univision logo

source:http://costonscomplaint.blogspot.com/2012/09/univision-doing-job-mainstream-media.html

Headquarters 

605 Third Ave. 12th Floor 

New York NY 10158

Phone:  (212) 455-5200

URL:  http://www.univision.com/

Key Executives

Randy Falco– CEO and COO

Before being appointed CEO, Falco was EVP and COO.  Before his time with Univisio, he was chairman and CEO of AOL, Inc.  Prior to this, he was President and COO of NBC Universal Television Group.

Andrew W. Hobson– Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Andrew Hobson has been EVP of Univision Network since 1994, and his successful work in strategic planning for the network has resulted in a successful climb in rank.

Jonathan Schwartz- General Counsel

Cesar Conde–  President of Univision Networks

Roberto Llamas– EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Peter H. Lori- EVP, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer

Employees:  4,233

Company Profile

Boasting the Largest Spanish-language audience in the world (Nielsen), Univision is a television network based in America mainly targeted at spanish speaking families.  The company’s beginnings date back to 1955, when Raul Cortez started a spanish-language network in San Antonio, Texas.  As more hubs were added around the country, The Spanish International Network began to take shape.  in 1986, the FCC mandated that the service was sold to a domestic organization.  The name was then changed to Univision, and the network started to design their programming around a national audience.  Univision acquired the Hispanic Broadcastic Corporation in 2003 and created Univision Radio, the largest spanish radio network in America.  More recently, the addition of the Univision Deportes Network, a 24 hour sports channel, Univision tlnovelas, a channel that airs the highest regarded spanish novelas, and Uvideos, a bilingual channel, have all led to a seriously robust array of content.  ABC News and Univision News have announced a multiplatform project entitled “Fusion” to empower and inform the Spanish Speaking demographic in America.

Financials

http://corporate.univision.com/corporate/investor-relations/financial-information/#axzz2Pt4vaJ43

Fiscal Year Ends:  December

Programming

El Gordo Y La Flaca

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbrDqPeqVnk

This entertainment-news program means “The Fat Man and the Skinny Lady.”  The show features interviews with musical artists and actors, and appears on weekdays on Univision Network.

Nuestra Belleza Latina

Greydis_Gil-4

A reality/beauty pageant competition show, Nuestra Belleza Latina has 12 hopeful women compete for a title, earning cash prizes and cultivating an image on the Univision Network.  Giselle Blondet hosts this show, and coaches the winner a year after the seasons conclusion.  Casting occurs in six different cities within the United States, and Puerto Rico, and the selected contestants live together in a mansion in Miami for the length of the show.

 

Primer Impacto

20080630_050

Meaning “First Impact,” Primer Impacto is a news program that airs on Univision in the United States at 5pm weekdays.  One of the longer running shows on the network, it has been running since 1992, when it was broadcast under the name “Noticias y Mas” or, “News and More.”  The show has several segments, and these include the news of the United States and the world, República Deportiva (Sports Republic), movies, and weather.

Mira Quien Baila

16015_concursantes-de-mira-quien-baila-gala-1

A Spanish reality show, “Look Who’s Dancing” features a similar premise to Dancing with the Stars.  In fact, the show is actually included in the franchise.  Professional dancers are paired up with spanish celebrities and actors, and perform latin or ballroom dance numbers before judges to receive a score.  The grand prize is a donation of $50,000 to the charity of the winner’s choice.

Sources

 

http://corporate.univision.com/corporate/executive-leadership/#axzz2PsjkFLcj

http://topics.wsj.com/person/F/randy-falco/505

http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=535466&privcapId=352350&previousCapId=352350&previousTitle=Univision%20Communications%20Inc.

http://s33.photobucket.com/user/thachairman/media/0806/30M/20080630_050.jpg.html

http://www.spanishtown.ca/entertainmentstories/nuestrabellezalatina2009/photos/Greydis_Gil-4.jpg

http://www.formulatv.com/images/fgaleria/16000/16015_concursantes-de-mira-quien-baila-gala-1.jpg

 

DreamWorks Animation SKG Studios

Posted on by 
Ricky Laubenstein

DREAMWORKS ANIMATION SKG

dream

A Brief History

Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen founded DreamWorks SKG in 1994. The “S”, “K”, and “G” comes from the first letter of the last names of the founders. The combination of Spielberg and Katzenberg’s directing prowess, with Geffen’s unmatched musical soundtrack production, turned the company into an instant powerhouse. Their focus was to create and distribute animated feature films. They made partnerships with Microsoft and special effects company PDI in the mid 90’s to increase production quality. The company was eventually sold to Paramount but has created nearly thirty films since it was founded.

Corporate Figures

Jeffrey Katzenberg- Chief Executive Officer and Director

jeffrey

Despite co-founding the company, Jeffrey has only served as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors since 2004.  He has a long history of success including being chairman of the board of The Walt Disney Studios for ten years from 1984 to 1994. There he produced several smash hits including Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King.

Lew Coleman- President and acting Chief Financial Officer

Lew

Coleman has a rich financial back round working at Wells Fargo Bank for thirteen years and then another ten years at Bank of America where he served as Chairman and Head of Capital Markets. In 2001, he was blessed with the opportunity to be in the Northrop Grumman Board of Directors. By 2004, he became the director of DreamWorks and after a year was promoted to President of DreamWorks Animation.

Ann Daly- Chief Operating Officer

Ann

Ann’s experience is un-surmounted with fourteen years of work in The Walt Disney Company. There she developed strategies for the marketing, sales, and distribution for the home video division.  She was quickly appointed president of Buena Vista Home Video. She then moved to be the head of the animation division of DreamWorks SKG in 1997 where she focused more on the production side of things.  After several successful years she was promoted to chief operating officer in 2004.

Anne Globe- Chief Marketing Officer

anne globe

After graduating at Syracuse University, Globe got her start marketing at The Walt Disney Studios. With her wide set of skills and passion it was not long until she moved to be Director of National Promotions for Universal Pictures and Universal Studios Hollywood. Shortly after she was promoted to Vice President of Promotions at MCA/Universal. In 1996, Globe became a part of the DreamWorks team developing promotional campaigns for DreamWorks Animation feature films and creating consumer products. Anne Globe is mostly known for her strategic partnerships and long lasting relations with Hewlett Packard and Intel.

Financial Report

DreamWorks Animation SKG released their financial statement for the fourth quarter (2012) and compared them to the last four years.  There was a steady rise in equity starting at one billion in 2008 to 1.3 billion in 2011, however it platued at 1.3 again in 2012.  Yet total revenues and total assets did increase from the previous year, which will instill investor confidence.

Recent Projects

The Croods

croods

“The Croods” takes place in pre-historic time and is about a family who lost their cave and no longer has a home. The movie, recently released on March 22 2013, follows their adventure of discovery through an unknown world. Starring Emma Stone, Nicolas Cage, and Ryan Reynolds it is a story that the whole family will enjoy. It was the number one ranked movie the opening weekend making a whopping $43 million. It grossed more over seas with a total of $204 million in foreign countries and $125 million domestically adding up to a worldwide gross of nearly $330 million. The marketing strategy was certainly geared towards kids with a partnership with Nickelodeon.  The movie was featured under Nickelodeon’s “Nicksclusives” and they consistently aired the movie trailer on the channel in between episodes.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/VeG3Zmk08UU” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

Rise of the Guardians

rise

“Rise of the Guardians” is another kid-oriented animated feature film that involves the holiday heroes we all know and love combining forces to stop evil and preserve imagination for the world. It was released last November 21st .Starring Hugh Jackman and Alec Baldwin the movie debut at a number four ranking the opening week grossing at nearly $23 million. It seems to be a re-occurring pattern for DreamWorks as foreign sales nearly doubled domestic sales with over $200 million with a total gross of over $300 million worldwide.  An essential element to the movie as a whole was the consumer products that went with it.  Having action figures of characters in the movie is a highly effective way of marketing and keeps it relevant to the kids. DreamWorks also made a unique business move with the release of the DVD around Easter time. Since the Easter bunny was one of the main characters in the story, the DVD came with two hopping eggs. It may seem miniscule, but even little things like eggs make the DVD more memorable and attractive for consumers.

 

action figure

-Rise of the Guardians action figures

Puss in Boots

puss

“Puss in Boots” was released back on October 28, 2011 and is based off the supporting character in the “Shrek” movies. The story takes place long before Puss met Shrek and involves him saving his town with the help of Kitty Softpaws and Humpty Dumpty. The movie grossed $34 million opening weekend with a number one ranking. Domestic sales barely broke over production costs with nearly $150 million but almost tripled that with foreign sales at over $405 million. The marketing strategy fit well with the on your feet action in Puss in Boots. DreamWorks developed a series of games that involved different elements of the movie. You can be Puss and climb up the beanstalk in the game “Beanstalk Boost” or participate in a dance competition in the game “Dancing Boots”. You can even take a shot at directing with the game “Dance Fight Mix Master” where you pick different clips of the movie to mesh together and make them funny. Having interactive games gives kids a different perspective on the movie and creates an emotional attachment to the characters. With a spin-off movie like this it not only elaborates the “Shrek” series but also further promotes DVD sales and the movie “Shrek: The Final Chapter”. Now when consumers watch the classic “Shrek” tales there is so much more behind the character Puss in Boots because they now know his story.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/Znuq-daWfLE” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

DreamWorks Animation SKG for the Future

DreamWorks Animation SKG has a long history of creative ingenuity.  They have seemed to dominate the animated feature film genre for quite some time now. The company has shown no signs of stopping and will continue to grow and develop new stories as well ass continue their spin-offs to keep their classics relevant.

Work Cited

[1] Company Information, Movies, Corporate figure heads and pictures http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/company

[2] Company Press http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/dreamworks-animation-skg-inc/index.html

[3] Company Timeline http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/97/DreamWorks-SKG.html

[4] Company Insight http://www.closinglogos.com/page/DreamWorks+Pictures

[5] Company box office numbers http://www.boxofficemojo.com/

[6] Company Future

http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/24929/what-does-the-future-hold-for-dreamworks-animation

 

 

DreamWorks SKG Studios

Posted on by 
by Emily Moomey

Dreamworks-Logo– Courtesy of dreamworksstudios.com [1]

DreamWorks Studios
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
818-733-7000

Company Overview

DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company that focuses primarily on films and television programming. The original studio was founded In 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen as an independently owned entity.  The studio had initial success with it’s hit television show “Spin City” and went on to release it’s first film “The Peacemaker” in 1997 [2]. The company also garnered high financial success with animated feature length films. In 2004 DreamWorks Animation was spun-off and became its own publicly traded company and Katezenberg left with the animation division to became the CEO.  In 2006 the studio was sold to Viacom, the parent company of Paramount Pictures, but after two years of partnership DreamWorks left Paramount and signed a deal with the Reliance ADA Group [3]. The current DreamWorks Studios was co-created by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider along with funding from the Reliance ADA Group.

Key Figures

spielberg_steven_websiteSteven Spielberg – Principal Partner and Co-Chairman [4]

snider_stacey_websiteStacey Snider – Principal Partner/Co-Chairman/CEO [5]

small_jeff_websiteJeff Small – Chief Operating Officer [6]

 Financials

DreamWorks Studios was created with initial financial backings from the original three founders. Spielberg, Katzenberg, and Gaffen all contributed $33 million and co-founder of Microsoft Paul Allen fronted $500 million to kick start the company. [7] The company worked hard to retain it’s ownership and remain an independent film studio, but some hard-hitting flops in its later years at the box office brought the company into concerning debt. In 2006 Spielberg and his constituents sold DreamWorks to Viacom and Paramount pictures for $1.6 billion, which included $400 million of debt assumptions. [8] Under Paramount the studio produced a large number of successful and critically acclaimed films. Still, just two years later Speilberg closed a deal with the Reliance ADA Group for an investment of $500 million, while J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. provided $700 million towards another independent venture. [9] Since 2008 the studio has again struggled at the box office and had to restructure it’s finances. Each year the company has tried to negotiate for more money from the Reliance ADA Group, and most recently just received another $200 million investment from them. [10]

Filmography

Although the company has had some financial struggles, DreamWorks Studios has produced many unforgettable films. In its early stages, Spielberg released “Saving Private Ryan” which earned him the Oscar for best Director that year along with four other wins out of the eleven nominations for the film. Additionally, it was the highest grossing domestic release of that year. 220px-Saving_Private_Ryan_poster[11] In 1999 the studio released “American Beauty” starring Kevin Spacey which kicked off a string of box office hits. These included “The Contender”, “Castaway”, “Meet the Parents”, “Almost Famous” and “Gladiator” which won the 2000 Oscar for Best Picture. With these films came a very successful year at the box office, earning the studio over $2 billion worldwide. [12] While the animation division was still a part of DreamWorks Studios they produced “Shrek” starring Mike Meyers and Cameron Diaz which brought home the first ever Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. Over the years, the company also created such box office hits as “Dreamgirls” and the “Transformers” and “Paranormal Activity” franchises. 215px-Help_posterMost recently the biggest buzz coming from the studio was for “The Help” which earned over $200 million at the box office and Spielberg’s “Lincoln” that just earned Daniel Day Lewis an Oscar for Best Actor at the 2013 Academy Awards. [13]

Click on this link to view the “Lincoln” trailer – [14]

In the News

When DreamWorks Studios transitioned back into an independent company they secured a deal with The Walt Disney Company to distribute their films worldwide. Just last month, in March 2013 it was confirmed that Disney along with Showtime renewed an output deal with the studio through 2018. The agreement states “DreamWorks Studios’ films theatrically released by Disney through 2018 will air across Showtime, The Movie Channel and Flix, as well as its multiplex channels”. [15]

In film news, DreamWorks Studios has decreased the amount of films released in the upcoming years significantly compared to the number they have been known to create. Previously, the company would release on average six films a year. In 2012 they only released two, “Lincoln” and “People Like Us”. They have the same plans for 2013 with Vince Vaughn’s comedy “The Delivery Man” and a film about the Wikileaks scandal called “The Fifth Estate”. [16]

Click here to view a clip about the upcoming film “The Fifth Estate” [17]

However, there seems to be hope for the future. straight_no_chaser_0The studio has announced that it has acquired the rights to some exciting new films, including the script based on the true story of the a Capella group Straight No Chaser, which the film will be titled. It will tell the story of the groups rise to success through YouTube. [18] Additionally, there  are two other films in the works for the studio. The first is “Need For Speed”, a racing action movie based on the Electronic Arts video game set to be released in 2014. Just recently Michael Keaton signed on to star in the film. [19] The second is not yet set for production but DreamWorks is working to buy the script for  “Merry Men”. The company just offered a six-figure number for the rights to the film. Although there have been numerous versions of the Robin Hood story, this film looks to attack it from the perspective of his fellow merry men. [20]

Finally, just this month it was announced that the studio obtained the life rights to the Boston Globe’s “Spotlight Team”, the news reporters that won a Pulitzer prize for  revealing the cover-up of the pedophile priests in the Catholic churches of Massachusetts. Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer have signed on to co-write the script and the studio will work with Participate to produce the film. Josh Singer also wrote the script for the “The Fifth Estate” for DreamWorks. [21]

Sources
[1] Dream Works logo
[2] DreamWorks Studios
[3] New York Times – A Studio’s Real Life Drama
[4] Spielberg photo
[5] Snider photo
[6] Small photo
[7] DreamWorks Studios
[8] reuters.com – Paramounts DreamWorks Come True
[9] reuters.com – DreamWorks Completes Deal with Reliance ADA
[10] LA Times – DreamWorks Studios Stays Alive
[11] DreamWorks Studios History
[12] DreamWorks Studios History
[13] DreamWorks Studios History
[14] Lincoln Trailer
[15] deadline.com – Showtime and Disney Renew
[16] DreamWorks Studios
[17] News on “The Fifth Estate”
[18] Straight No Chaser
[19] “Need for Speed”
[20] deadline.com – Merry Men
[21] Upcoming film release for Catholic church scandal

Paramount Pictures

Posted on by 
by Alejandro Navas
Courtesy of www.closinglogos.com

Courtesy of www.closinglogos.com

5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 956-8398

History [1]

Founding Fathers Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Founding Fathers
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

In 1912, Adolph Zukor acquired the U.S distribution rights to Queen Elizabeth, a silent French film, though his Famous Players Film Company. His success inspired Jesse Lasky and Cecil DeMille to team up and make The Squaw Man, the first Laky Feature Play Company film and first feature-length Hollywood film. In 1916, these two companies merged. Soon after, the new Famous Players-Lasky Corporation merged with a distributor called Paramount Pictures to form Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation, the first company that was able to control all aspects of filmmaking (production, distribution and exhibition). This company went bankrupt through the great depression in 1932, but Zukor reorganized the company, named it Paramount Pictures Inc. and brought success back to it.

Paramount Pictures Today

Paramount Pictures Studios Courtesy of magazine.uc.edu

Paramount Pictures Studios
Courtesy of magazine.uc.edu

Paramount Pictures Corporation is owned by and is a branch of the media conglomerate Viacom. Paramount produces and distributes television and film material that has been very successful over the years, allowing the company to be ranked as one of the most lucrative and largest movie studios. It is the fifth oldest film studio in the world and the last major film studio located in Hollywood district, California. Paramount Pictures is divided into eight sub-divisions: Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc, Paramount Studio Group, Worldwide Television Distribution, Paramount Famous Productions and Paramount Parks & Resorts [2]. In addition, Paramount Pictures is part of the Paramount Motion Picture Group, which also includes Paramount Vintage, Paramount Classics, Paramount Animation, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies [3].

Executives [3]

Brad Grey

Brad Grey Courtesy of www-deadline-com.vimg.net/

Courtesy of www-deadline-com.vimg.net

Grey is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures. He is responsible of the development and production of all the feature films included in the Paramount Motion Picture Group. His responsibilities also include the worldwide business operations for all the sub-divisions of Paramount Pictures. Grey produced the award winning series The Sopranos and he is the winner of various awards including multiple Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.  He is also the founder of Brillstein-Grey Entertainment, Hollywood’s most successful management and production firm according to Forbes.

Rob Moore

Courtesy of www.hollywoodreporter.com

Courtesy of www.hollywoodreporter.com

The Vice Chairman position was given to Moore in 2008. His responsibilities ensue to oversee Paramount’s Worldwide Marketing, Distribution, Home Entertainment, Digital, Interactive, Television, Licensing, and Business Affairs divisions. Before working for Paramount, Moore worked thirteen years at The Walt Disney Studio and then founded Revolution Studios.

Frederick Huntsberry

Courtesy of www.123people.com

Courtesy of www.123people.com

In 2006, Huntsberry was named Chief Operating Officer. He takes care of the worldwide strategic planning and operations for the studio. Prior to working at Paramount Pictures, Huntsberry worked NBC Universal, where he held the President position.

Adam Goodman

Courtesy of thezog.wordpress.com

Courtesy of thezog.wordpress.com

Goodman has been the President of Paramount Film Group since 2009. Prior to working at Paramount Pictures, Goodman was the President of Production at Dreamkworks Studios.

Activity

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Courtesy of IMDb.com

Courtesy of IMDb.com

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters Trailer

Hansel & Gretel was released on January 25th, 2013.  This film is a tweaked version of the fairy tale Hansel & Gretel, where they become bounty hunters and follow and kill witches all around the world. This film made a staggering $19.7 million gross on the opening weekend, placing it in the number one spot at the time. The following weekends, the weekend gross plummeted down to $9 million and continued to drop constantly. The movie made its budget back domestically, making $55.4 million when the production budget was $50 million. Where Paramount succeeded immensely with this film was in the foreign market, making $163.8 million, more than triple the budget. This totals $219.2 million worldwide [4]. Paramount’s foreign marketing and distribution, as well as good reviews allowed this movie to be profitable.

Top Gun 3D

Courtesy of www.beyondhollywood.com

Courtesy of www.beyondhollywood.com

Paramount re-released the famous 1982 Top Gun starring Tom Cruise on February 8th, 2013. They re-mastered the film into IMAX 3D and also released it in Blu-ray [5]. The re-mastering of this film is cheaper than the actual production, so Paramount is smart to use old material, adapt new technology that audiences are attracted to, which is relatively cheaper, and then most likely make a profit out of doing this. On it’s release weekend, Top Gun rounded the top 10s with $2 million including both ticket and Blu-ray sales [6].

 

 

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

Courtesy of IMDb.com

Courtesy of IMDb.com

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Trailer

Released on March 28th, 2013, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, starring Dwayne Johnson, D.J Cotrona and Channing Tatum, is about the G.I. Joes fighting their enemy Cobra and at the same time survive threats from the government that could wipe them out. This is the second G.I. Joe produced under Paramount Pictures, the first one was G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra back in 2009 [7]. Retaliation’s opening weekend gross was only $10.5 million, while it’s second weekend gross increased to $55.0 million. Worldwide, Retaliation has already made its budget of $130 million back, with $231.8 million. This film is only on its second week, therefore if weekend gross is constant, it will generate a lot of profit for Paramount worldwide [8].

Future


Hansel & Gretel:  Witch Hunters Sequel [9]

On March 18th, 2013, after Hansel & Gretel reached $200 million worldwide, Paramount and MGM confim that a sequel is in development. The revenue that the film is generating hints that audiences are interested in this film, and would probably watch a sequel. As said before, even though this film only opened with $19.6 million domestically, most of the profit is being generated overseas. The producers of the first film, Will Farell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick are expected to return and produce the second one. This signals the beginning of a franchise.

Satellite Movie File Delivery To Theaters [10]

Courtesy of www.deadline.com

Courtesy of www.deadline.com

On March 7th, Paramount signed on for satellite delivery of digital movies. A delivery service like such, would be cheaper and faster than what is used today. Today’s delivery consist of the physical transportation of harddrives to cinemas, but with satellite delivery that job would be cut. Paramount joined this initiative with three production companies and three major theater chains. This initiative is being carried out by the Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition.

Sources

[1] The Paramount Story http://www.paramount.com/100-years-paramount/paramount-story

[2] Paramount Divisions http://www.paramount.com/inside-studio/studio/divisions

[3] Paramount Motion Picture Group http://www.paramount.com/inside-studio/studio/executives/meet-executives/brad-grey

[4] Box Office Mojo: Hansel & Gretel http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hanselandgretelwitchhunters.htm

[5] Top Gun 3D IMAX http://www.imax.com/movies/m/top-gun-an-imax-3d-experience/

[6] Deadline – Top Gun 3D http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/eastern-winter-storm-could-devastate-box-office-as-movie-theatre-chains-shut-down/

[7] IMDb – G.I. Joe http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1583421/?ref_=sr_1

[8] Box Office Mojo: G.I. Joe: Retaliation http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=gijoe2.htm

[9] Deadline – Hansel & Gretel Sequel http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/hansel-and-gretel-witch-hunters-sequel/

[10] Deadline – DCDC http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/disney-paramount-lionsgate-join-wb-uni-for-satellite-movie-delivery-to-theatres/

Liberty Media Corporation

Posted on by

By McCauley Braun

Picture courtesy of Liberty Media Corporation

Picture courtesy of Liberty Media Corporation

Liberty Media Corporate Office and Headquarters

12300 Liberty Boulevard

Englewood, Colorado  80112

Telephone: (720) 875-5400

Company Overview

Liberty Media Corporation is a mass media and communications company that owns a wide range of companies within the entertainment business. Some of it’s subsidiaries include True Position, Inc., Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc., Live Nation, Barnes and Noble, and Sirius XM. Liberty Media Corporation also holds minor equity investments in Time Warner Inc. and Viacom.

Management Team

John Malone – Chairman

Picture Courtesy of Liberty Media, Inc.

Picture Courtesy of Liberty Media, Inc.

Mr. John Malone has been the chairman of Liberty Media Corporation since 1990, and the chairman of Liberty Global, Inc., Liberty Media Corporation’s cable provider – which happens to be the leading international cable operator. Mr. Malone has received many awards throughout his career, including the NCTA Vanguard Award in 1983, which is considered one of the highest honors and most prestigious awards in cable television [1].

Greg Maffei – President and Chief Executive Officer

Picture Curtesy of Liberty Media, Inc.

Picture Courtesy of Liberty Media, Inc.

Mr. Greg Maffei has been Chief Executive Officer since 2006.  Mr. Maffei  serves as the chairman for some of Liberty Media’s largest assets including Starz, Live Nation, and Sirius XM. In addition, Mr. Maffei also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Interactive. Under Mr. Maffei’s delegation, Liberty Media Corporation has exceeded some of the major competing media companies in the industry [1].

Richard N. Baer – Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Picture Curtesy of University of Denver

Picture Courtesy of University of Denver

Mr. Richard N. Baer was just recently elected Senior Vice President and General Counsel in January 2013 [1]. Mr. Baer is responsible for overseeing Liberty Media Corporation’s legal, regulatory, and compliance matters [2].

Mr. David J. A. Flowers – Senior Vice President and Managing Director or Alternative Investments

Picture Courtesy of Liberty Interactive, Inc.

Picture Courtesy of Liberty Interactive, Inc.

Mr. David J. A. Flowers has served as senior vice president and managing director of alternative investments since November 2011 [1].

Albert E. Rosenthaler – Senior Vice President (Not Pictured) Mr. Albert E. Rosenthaler has served as senior vice president of Liberty Media Corporation since May 2007. Mr. Rosenthaler is responsible for overseeing the company’s corporate tax functions [1].

Christopher W. Shean – Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Not Pictured) Mr. Christopher W. Shean has served as senior vice president and chief financial officer since January 2011. As senior vice president and chief financial officer, he oversees all accounting and treasury functions at Liberty Media Corporation [1].

A Brief History

Liberty Media’s beginning was it’s merging with Tele-Communications (TCI) in the late-90s [3]. In 1998, Tele-Communications merged with AT&T, which consequently made Liberty Media Interactive, a media conglomerate branch of Liberty Media Corporation that creates trading stock, a tracking stock of AT&T in the New York Stock Exchange. However, in 2001, Liberty Interactive split from AT&T and began trading stock under it’s own name. In 2003, Liberty Interactive merged with Ascent Media Group and Liberty Satellite and Technology, Inc. It wasn’t until 2011 that Liberty Interactive separated from Liberty Media Corporation which held all of the business, assets, and liabilities previously attributed to Liberty Interactive [4].

Quarterly Report – Year End 2012 Financial Report

On January 11, Liberty Media Corporation completed it’s official separation from Starz, and Liberty Media Corporation received $1.2 billion in compensation. In addition, the FCC approved Liberty Media Corporation’s complete control over Sirius XM. Consequently, Liberty Media Corporation purchased 50 million more shares in Sirius XM which made Liberty Media Corporation 50% owner, and therefore resulted in consolidation. Liberty Media Corporation also purchased more shares in Live Nation which increased Liberty Media Corporation’s ownership by 27%.

Overall, Liberty Media’s revenue decreased 52% to $426 million in the fourth quarter, and decreased annually 32% to $2 billion. Additionally, operating income before depreciation and amortization decreased 76% to $77 million for the quarter, and decreased 58% to $450 million a year. Lastly, operating income decreased 91% to $25 million for the quarter, and 66% to $326 million annually. According to Liberty Media Corporation, the loss of revenue can be attributed to deferred revenue costs of one of their assets, True Position, Inc., the prior year [5].

Liberty Media Corporation’s Assets Today

Liberty Media Corporation holds a myriad of assets both directly and indirectly through joint ventures, partnerships, common stock investments, and assets convertible into common stock.

Associated Partners, L.P (37%): An investment and operating investment agency that helps customers receive long-term, risk balanced tax refunds.

Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. (100%): Owner of the Atlanta Braves and their assets which include some minor league baseball clubs.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (17%): The world’s largest bookstore operating in 50 states as well as online. Barnes & Noble, Inc. is also a Fortune 500 company.

CenturyLink, Inc. (<1%): Provider of broadband, voice, and video services. CenturyLink, Inc. operates in 37 states.

Crown Media Holdings, Inc. (3%):  United States cable owner and provider.

Ideiasnet (5%): Technology, media, and telecommunications developer and provider. Idaiasnet acquires stakes in companies’ projects and invests in those projects.

Kroenke Arena Company, LLC (7%): Owner of The Pepsi Center, a sports facility in Denver, Colorado.

Leisure Arts, Inc. (100%): Owner of publisher of crafts, decorating, lifestyle, and other home improvement “how-to” books.

Liberty Associated Partners, L.P. (29%): Investment firm specializing in private equity investments.

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (27%): Largest live entertainment company in the world that specializes in sponsorship, ticketing solutions, artist management, eCommerce, and concert promotion and venue operations.

MacNeil/Lehrer Productions (67%): Producer of PBS News HourI and other educational documentaries.

Mobile Streams Plc (16%): Global mobile content retailer. Mobile Stream PIc sells music, polyphonic ringtones, videos, and graphics.

Sirius XM Radio Inc. (50%): American satellite radio provider. Sirius XM Radio, Inc. provides all content from talk to sports, to entertainment, to Top-40 hits, all commercial-free.

Sprint Nextel Corporation (1%): Provides a range of wireless and wireline communications products.

Time Warner Cable Inc. (1%): One of the largest cable providers in the world. Time Warner Cable offers video, high-speed data, and voice services over broadband cable systems.

Time Warner Inc. (1%): Media and entertainment company that provides film entertainment, television networks, cable systems, interactive services, and music.

TruePosition, Inc. (100%): Owner of company providing location-based solutions for national security and public safety.

Viacom Inc. (1%): Global media company whose assets include companies such as MTV, Paramount Pictures, CMT: Country Music Network, TV Land, and Comedy Central.

All information on assets source [6].

Sources

[1] http://ir.libertymedia.com/management.cfm

[2] http://iaals.du.edu/about-the-institute/board-of-advisors/richard-n-baer/

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Media

[4] http://www.libertymedia.com/company-history.aspx

[5]  http://ir.libertymedia.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=743807

[6] http://www.libertymedia.com/asset-list.aspx