A+E Television Networks- Carly Cott

Posted on April 17, 2015 by htfergus

by CARLY COTT

A+E Network logo image

HEADQUARTERS

235 E. 45^th Street

New York, NY 1001

www.aenetworks.com

KEY EXECUTIVES

Headshot of Nancy Dubue. Photo Credit N/A

Nancy Dubue

President and Chief Executive Officer, A+E Networks

Headshot of Robert DeBietto. Photo Credit N/A.

Robert DeBitetto

President, Brand Strategy, Business Development and A+E Studios, A+E Networks

ABOUT

With it’s beginning in 1984, A+E Networks has blossomed from a collaboration between The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company, into an international media company with 11 channels and six original brands. A+E stands for “Arts and Entertainment” and reaches nearly 160 markets worldwide, communicating to a wide array of over 60 different languages. A+E incorporates ten channels, A&E, Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, History, FYI, Crime and Investigation, History (Spanish), and Lifetime Real Women. Dance Moms on Lifetime, and Duck Dynasty on A&E together are two of A+E Networks top shows, as well as most watched shows.

HISTORY

In 1984, on February 1, the Arts and Entertainment Network, now more commonly known as A+E network, was formed and began broadcasting. A show called, “Biography” is then introduced the network in 1987, as a once-a-week-prime-time series. It was not until 1990 that A+E began commissioning episodes of “Biography”. Three years later, in 1993 the Rockefeller Group decided to sell its total interest in A+E to Hearst Corporation, ABC, and NBC. The official name change from Arts and Entertainment to A+E, was made in 1995, when “Biography” became a five nights a week screened show. The History channel and Biography Chanel International were then launched in November of 1998.

When the network began broadcasting on February 1, 1984, the network hit 1,500-cable systems with nine million subscribers. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), give the network a range of rights to British programming. In just the first year, over 60 percent of A+E’s programming came from the BBC. Excitingly, the network turned its first profit in 1987, and within the year had revenues surpassing $50 million. Cable subscribers upped to a whopping 37 million, and between 1987 and 1997, the networks average growth stunted at 30 percent per year in profits and revenues.

By 2001, the History channel hit a 70 million-subscriber mark, making it the fastest growing cable network since its launch. Following, in 2009 A+E Networks combined with Lifetime Entertainment. This year, the company celebrated 30 years, and is thought to be worth around $26 billion.

FINANCIALS

A+E is a privately owned company, so there were no public financials to be found.

COMPANY NEWS

On March 17^th it was announced after 11 years working for A+E, Neil A. Cohen is leaving the network to join UTA as an Alternative TV department agent. Cohen will now be based in the New York and work with talent in cable and network. He worked at A+E as the Senior Vice President of Talent and Production, giving him what Brett Hansen noted as, “an unbeatable combination”.

Elaine Frontain Bryant and Paul Cabana. Photo courtesy of A+E Networks.

On March 18^th, it was announced that A+E had promoted their two senior programming executives after the departure of previously mentioned David McKillop. Elaine Bryant who worked as Senior Vice President of Programming moved into her position as Executive Vice President and head of programming for the A&E Network. Paul Cabana also got to Executive Vice President and head of programming for History and H2. He had previously been posted as the Senior Vice President and head of programming for H2. Bryant reports to Rob Sharenow, and Cabana reports to Dirk Hoogstra. Hoogstra and Sharenow noted both executives as being, “vital to the success of A+E Networks”.

Liz Gately. Photo Credit N/A

Liz Gateley is returning to the executive ranks and to Lifetime. Gateley has been named Executive Vice President and Head of Programming for the network. She from now on will be the head honcho in charge of movies, scripts, and unscripted series development. Lifetime has had an absent spot for head of programming since JoAnn Alfano. At the time, Lifetime was put under the watchful eye of A+E Networks’ own Nancy Dubuc.

HIGHLIGHTS/LOWLIGHT OF SPRING 2015

Spring 2015 was maybe not as exciting as Fall 2014, but had some action. Weather it was the launch of the new history website x, the collaboration and production of a new production and distribution company, or the return of a hit series, A+E Network continues to moves in a forward and upward motion into the Summer months

April 13^th, it was announced that A+E Network is launching an “Asterisk Internet Media Brand” with new spins on history, trying to spice things up a bit. So what’s the point of it all? A+E says the point is to, make history worldwide seem “less like homework”. The website, “Asterisk” features stories looking deep into contemporary culture and entertainment throughout the span of history. The site is aimed at the millennial generation, and includes mass amounts of visual stimulation, videos, photos, etc. As of the launch, the site does not have any marketing partners, but A+E says those deals are in the works. The site is split into 10 different categories including, life skills, sports, people, food and drink, ideas, arts and entertainment, work, style, travel, and tech. Evan Silverman, Senior Vice President of Digital Media for A+E Networks, says “People tend to think about history as Abraham Lincoln, but we can provide context to contemporary people, trends or places”. Silverman hopes to give viewers a daily dose of history in a new and innovative way, making it user friendly, and relevant to today’s culture.

On March 20^th, it was announced that Howard T. Owens, former National Geographic Channel president, is going back to independent TV production. The launch of a new production and distribution company, “Propagate Content”, will be run by Owens and partner David McKillop. McKillop has worked as Senior Vice President of Development and Programming at History, then as Executive Vice President of Programming for A&E, eventually moving on to work as Executive Vice President and General Manager for A&E channel. A+E Network is an equity partner for the new company, “Propogate Content”.

It was announced on January 9^th the hit series “Mountain Men” was retuning for a fourth season. The show follows six men whoa re living far from civilization, using survival skills, hunting skills, and skillful cunning efforts to stay alive, clothed, and fed. The men face chaos in the unpredictable series that prepares them for the unpredictable.

SOURCES

(1) http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/a-e-television-networks-history/

(2) http://deadline.com/2015/03/neil-cohen-joins-uta-ae-networks-executive-1201394219/

(3) http://deadline.com/2015/03/howard-t-owens-david-mckillop-production-company-ae-networks-propagare-1201401158/

(4) http://www.aenetworks.com/article/mountain-men-returns-history-spring-2015

(5) http://variety.com/2015/digital/news/ae-launches-asterisk-internet-media-brand-with-new-spins-on-history-exclusive-1201470981/

(6) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/a-e-at-30-how-690921

(7) http://www.aetv.com

(8) http://www.aenetworks.com/article/ae-studios-announces-first-look-development-deal-feature-film-and-television-producer-rachel

(9) http://www.aenetworks.com/article/ae-network-premieres-new-series-neighbors-benefits-sunday-march-22-10-pm-etpt

(10 )http://www.aenetworks.com/news

Paramount Pictures

Posted on April 17, 2015 by htfergus

by ARACELI GUTIERREZ

[25] Paramount Pictures Logo

PARAMOUNT PICTURES
5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA
www.paramount.com

HISTORY

Paramount Pictures has been in show business for 103 years, making them one of America’s oldest motion picture companies. Adolph Zukor, Jesse L. Lasky and Cecil B. DeMille are credited as Paramount’s principal founding fathers. Today, this corporation is a subsidiary of Viacom, a global mass media firm. The company has produced classics like “Titanic”, which had a domestic gross of $658.6 million and worldwide gross of $2.18 billion [1].

Key Executives:

: [2] Brad Grey, Chairman & CEO

: [3] Rob Moore, Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures

: [4] Frederick Huntsberry, Chief Operating Officer, Paramount Pictures

: [5] Marc Evans, President, Motion Picture Group at Paramount Pictures

: [6] Amy Powell, President, Paramount Television and Digital Entertainment

FINANCIALS

[7] “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water”

During this year’s first quarter, Paramount Pictures was ranked 5th for top grossing production companies, with a total gross of $274.6 million, which puts them in control of 9.8% of the current market share [8]. They hold an average gross of $39.2 million per release over the course of its 7 releases so far in 2015 [9][10]. Its second-highest grossing release, “Selma”, was a contender at the Academy Awards earlier this year. The movie made $50.8 million domestic. So far, “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” is their biggest hit, with a domestic total of $161.3 million, more than double of its $74 million production budget. With a small production budget of $12 million, “Project Almanac” also did well with a $22.3 million domestic total.

[26] TubiTV

Paramount Pictures has seven future releases, one of them being animation, two action, and four of the horror/thriller genre [11]. Also, Tubi TV, a free but ad-supported streaming service, and Paramount Pictures joined a licensing agreement to bring more than 50 classic feature films from the studio’s library to the company’s video apps [12]. Some films featured on Tubi TV include fan-favorites such as “Top Gun”, “Basic Instinct”, “Star Trek: The Final Frontier”, and other recent releases from the past two years.

Their parent company, Viacom Inc., underwent some restructuring in March, which included cutting jobs, abandoning some acquired titles and reorganizing three of its domestic network groups into two new organizations [13]. Paramount Pictures took a related pre-tax charge of about $785 million by the end of the quarter (March 31).

MARCH MADNESS: NEW CHANGES

March was a busy month for Paramount Pictures.

On March 16, Paramount Pictures announced Marc Evans as the new president of Paramount’s Motion Picture Group to replace Adam Goodman, who was let go in early March [14]. Goodman had a year left on his contract. As a part of his exit package, Goodman was offered a production deal with Paramount. Evans has been a part of the Paramount family for 12 years now and recently served as president of production since 2010. Evans is expected to increase the studio’s output of feature film releases.

Paramount Pictures has a reputation for not making many movies. In recent years, the studio has gone months between major releases. For example, this year’s release calendar shows that there are five static months that separate the opening of the studio’s most recent film, “Hot Tub Time Machine 2,” a co-production with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and its next opener, “Mission: Impossible 5,” which debuts on July 31 [15]. “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” received bad reviews and didn’t reach its production budget, considering that its domestic gross made only $12.3 million out of the $14 million budget [16].

Paramount, with a new switch up in its presidency, plans to change this by eventually raising the number of movies it runs annually from its current eight to 10-14 live-action titles plus an additional animated release. The studio seeks to maintain profit margins, which have plummeted party because of its discontinuation with Marvel Studios, DreamWorks Animation and Brad Pitt’s Plan B. Without these partnerships, Paramount lost a considerable deal of films [17]. Meanwhile, Paramount’s parent company, Viacom, issued major layoffs under pressure from ratings declines at its cable networks. Despite the studio’s stress over profitability, yearly profits have declined three years in a row, down 12% just last year [18]. This thin slate is also problematic because of the studio’s pending fixed overhead costs.

On March 17, the former president of worldwide home media distribution for Paramount Pictures, Dennis Maguire, stepped down [19]. Maguire’s departure was a result of the studio’s cut of 30-40 jobs across all departments as part of Viacom’s restructuring initiative. The Viacom Inc. unit named veteran executive Bob Buchi as the new replacement for Maguire in early April [20]. Buchi has a track record that speaks for itself. He has found great success in theatrical releases, acquisitions, family and television product. Also, Buchi was responsible for the strategic product marketing and management of the “Transformers,” “Star Trek,” “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Paranormal Activity” franchises.

[28] Insurge Pictures

On March 23, Paramount Pictures dismantled their microbudget film branch Insurge Pictures. No longer a separate division, Insurge will still keep its name for use as a label on specific genres [21]. When launched in 2010, Amy Powell was named president of Insurge Pictures. Powell will now be relocated to focus on her TV and digital responsibilities as president of Paramount TV and Digital Entertainment. The other executives at Insurge Pictures will be integrated under Marc Evan’s film team.

The exec suite changes established in March will have a strong impact for months to follow; similarly in April.

On April 15, Elizabeth Raposo and Geoff Stier were promoted to be co-presidents of production [22]. Paramount is elevating Raposo from senior vice president to executive vice president. Stier already holds that title. These new positions put them on the same level as Peter Kang, who’s also executive vice president of production. Raposo has been commander on both the latest Mission: Impossible and Star Trek sequels. Again, these new promotions were made in effort of bringing forth a new strategy to bolster Paramount’s lineup.

PROJECTIONS FOR PARAMOUNT

[29] “Paramount Needs to Fatten Up Skimpy Film Slate” by Eddie Guy

With the new restructuring at Paramount, it is clear that they intend to make a strong comeback. With the dismissal of their last production chief Adam Goodman, they are now confiding in Marc Evans to increase their annual film slate. There is a search for new franchises, now that former money-bringing ones like “Star Trek” and “Transformers” are beginning to fade.

Brad Grey has also shown strong interest in bolstering the animation pipeline and restoring Paramount’s television initiatives [23]. Although these are their main focuses, Paramount faces a credibility problem to overcome, especially with their constant switchups in its executive board.

In the past, Grey has announced ambitious plans for Paramount’s annual slate, and has appointed well-qualified executives, with little accomplishments done by the end of their period at Paramount.

At this time, a studio resurgence is suitable since Wall Street suggests several corporate scenarios that may unravel near the “end of the Sumner Redstone era” [24]. According to some insiders, Redstone’s deep-seated personal ‘consiglieris’ (counselors, advisors) will ensure a smooth transition, although there are still corporate rivalries within the empire.

SOURCES

[1] Boxofficemojo.com,. (2015). Paramount All Time Box Office Results. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[2] Pener, D. (2015). Paramount Pictures’ Brad Grey Joins LACMA as Trustee (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[3] Zimbio,. (2015). Rob Moore in Stars at the ‘Next Gen’ 20th Anniversary Gala. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[4] Zimbio,. (2015). Rob Moore in Stars at the ‘Next Gen’ 20th Anniversary Gala. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[5] Zimbio,. (2015). Marc Evans Photos: The Science & Technology Council Of AMPAS Presents “Visualize This”. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[6] Friedman, M., & Rose, R. (2015). 6 Ways to Be More Creative Every Day. Cosmopolitan. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[7] Collinson, G. (2015). New clip from The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. Flickering Myth. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[8] Boxofficemojo.com,. (2015). 2015 Market Share and Box Office Results by Movie Studio. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[9] Boxofficemojo.com,. (2015). 2015 Market Share and Box Office Results by Movie Studio. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[10] Boxofficemojo.com,. (2015). Paramount. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[11] Boxofficemojo.com,. (2015). Paramount Upcoming Releases. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[12] Digital Trends,. (2015). Paramount pictures licenses 50 more movies to free vod service Tubi TV. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[13] Nytimes.com,. (2015). Viacom to Cut Jobs, Abandon Titles, Reorganize Network Groups. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[14] Lang, B. (2015). Marc Evans Named Paramount Motion Picture Group President. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[15] Bart, P. (2015). Paramount Needs to Fatten Up Skimpy Film Slate. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[16] Boxofficemojo.com,. (2015). Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015) – Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[17] Bart, P. (2015). Paramount Needs to Fatten Up Skimpy Film Slate. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[18] Bart, P. (2015). Paramount Needs to Fatten Up Skimpy Film Slate. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[19] Pedersen, E., Pedersen, E., & Pedersen, E. (2015). Dennis Maguire Leaving Top Job At Paramount Home Entertainment. Deadline. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[20] McNary, D. (2015). Paramount Ups Bob Buchi to Worldwide Home Media Distribution Head. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[21] Kroll, J. (2015). Paramount’s Insurge Gets Absorbed; Bad Robot’s ‘The Cellar’ Moves to Big Studio. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[22] Jr, M. (2015). Paramount Ups Elizabeth Raposo To Executive Vice President. Deadline. Retrieved 17 April 2015,

[23] Bart, P. (2015). Paramount Needs to Fatten Up Skimpy Film Slate. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[24] Bart, P. (2015). Paramount Needs to Fatten Up Skimpy Film Slate. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[25] Filmbaza.net,. (2015). index_Galeria_logos P. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[26] YouTube,. (2015). Tubi TV Teaser. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[27] YouTube,. (2015). Hot Tub Time Machine 2 – Official Trailer 2. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[28] Bloody-disgusting.com,. (2015). Paramount Insurge Is Finally Making A Movie… –. Retrieved 17 April 2015

[29] Guy, E. (2015). Paramount Needs to Fatten Up Skimpy Film Slate. Variety. Retrieved 17 April 2015

Disney/ABC– (TV broadcast & cable properties only)

Posted on December 1, 2014 by htfergus

[1] Disney/ABC Television Group Logo

by Alex Alomar

ABOUT DISNEY/ABC TELEVISION GROUP

Disney/ABC Television Group, through its many businesses is involved in the production and distribution of entertainment and news to the public. It is a premier entertainment media company. Disney/ABC regulates all of The Walt Disney television properties. [2] This includes properties such as ABC Television Network, ABC Entertainment Group, Disney Channels Worldwide, ABC Family, ABC News and more. [3]

Television Properties

[4] ABC Family Logo

Disney/ABC Television provides the world with a diverse composition of entertainment. One of its properties is ABC Family., which is one of the cable’s top 10 networks. [6] The network’s programming includes original series and movies. Pretty Little Liars (the No. 1 scripted show for females between the age of 12-34 in the year 2012) and Melissa & Joey (cable’s No. 1 program at 8 P.M. on Wednesdays) are both original ABC Family programs that contribute to its great success. ABC Family has a long list of original movies including Labor Pains, which features American actress and recording singer Lindsay Lohan.[6]

[5] Disney XD Logo

Another popular property that lies under Disney/ABC Television group is Disney XD. The cable channel was created by Disney for a rare outcome that had been yet to be distributed to cable. It provides a flashy series that include both animated and live-action original programming, including movies and series. It reaches an audience of those who are 6-14 and more specifically, boys in that age range (females still included). Disney XD programming pushes children on their chase for sports (Disney, adventure and humor.) [7] To achieve their goals, Disney XD joined ESPN in creating an original series titles Disney XD ESPN Sport Science. The program features two hosts who talk about myths in sports. The program has guest appearances from both celebrities and professional sports athletes. [8]

These are only two of many properties that are owned by fall under Disney/ABC Television Group. All programming from Disney/ABC Television Group properties reach a different fragment of the general audience. The company is able to attract the views from crowds that are female or male, young or old etc.

KEY EXECUTIVES

[9] Anne Sweeney

[10] Ben Sherwood

Anne Sweeney is the current President of Disney/ABC Television Group as well as the Co-Chair of Disney Media Networks. She has been involved with the company since 1996. Sweeney is in charge of managing Disney’s entertainment and news television properties. [11]

Ben Sherwood became the President of ABC News in December 2010. [12] Sherwood has been named to succeed Anne Sweeney as President of Disney/ABC Television Group. He will become active as President on Feb 1st, 2015, but is currently involved in all decision making that involves Disney/ABC Television Group as a co-president. [13]

FINANCIALS

The Walt Disney Company, in its third quarterly report of the year, revealed that it has a revenue of $12.16 billion, and increase for its second quarterly report of $11.65 billion. [14] Disney’s cable businesses ended its fourth quarter with a 5% increase in revenue, ending with a total of $5.2 billion. [15] A big contributor in the increase of revenue was ABC’s broadcasting of the FIFA World Cup, which concluded in a boost of advertisement revenue. [16]

DISNEY/ABC TELEVISION GROUP NEWS

New Deal with Streaming Company Shomi

[18] Shomi Logo

Disney/ABC Television has signed a deal with Shomi. Shomi is a Canadian company that provides an online streaming service, much like Netflix and Hulu. It is a new company that was founded this past August and officially launched on November 4th. [17] The deal includes family and kid friendly content from Disney. Well known films such as 102 Dalmatians and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, will now be available to Shomi users. A big part of the deal is the programming Shomi is obtaining from ABC programming. Shame will be streaming shows from ABC, ABC Family as well as ABC Studios. This includes two of ABC’s extremely successful TV series, Scandal and Revenge. [19]

Relaunch of WATCH Applications

[20] WATCH Applications

Disney/ABC Television Group has announced that it is relaunching its WATCH applications. The WATCH applications include an a different application for multiple properties. There is an application for ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior. The new features for the ABC application include allowing the user to to post on Facebook or Twitter about the current show they are watching without having to close and leave the application. [20] Disney/ABC Television Group created Disney Junior en Español, which will now allow users to watch and experience the application in Spanish. You can now also access the WATCH applications on Android and Kindle Fire Devices. The last addition to the application was being able to listen to Radio Disney live. [21]

New Fall 2014 Series: How To Get Away with Murder

[22] How to Get Away with Murder

ABC’s new original series How To Get Away with Murder, premiered this past fall on September 25th. The TV series is a drama produced by Shonda Rhimes, who is known for her with Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. The show as been nothing but success for ABC. The show had the biggest new series premier of the Fall 2014 season. [23] It received 14.3 million views and a demo rating of 3.9. Although the number of viewers of the show has dropped, it is still pulling a strong audience. The show’s fall finale had 9.8 million viewers. [24]

SOURCES

[1] Disney/ABC Television Group Logo, RT 12/1/2014

[2] Disney/ABC Television Group Information, RT 12/1/2014

[3] The Walt Disney Company’s Properties, RT 12/1/2014

[4] ABC Family Logo, RT 12/1/2014

[5] Disney XD Logo, RT 12/1/2014

[6] ABC Family Programming Information, RT 12/1/2014

[7] Disney XD Programming Information, RT 12/1/2014

[8] Disney XD ESPN Sport Science, RT 12/1/2014

[9] Anne Sweeney, RT 12/1/2014

[10] Ben Sherwood, RT 12/1/2014

[11] Anne Sweeney Biography, RT 12/1/2014

[12] Ben Sherwood Biography, RT 12/1/2014

[13] Ben Sherwood Becoming President, RT 12/1/2014

[14] The Walt Disney Compnay Financials, RT 12/1/2014

[15] Disney Broadcasting Financials, RT 12/1/2014

[16] ABC Financials, RT 12/1/2014

[17] Shomi Launch Date, RT 12/1/2014

[18] Shomi Logo, RT 12/1/2014

[19] Disney/ABC and Shomi Deal, RT 12/1/2014

[20] WATCH Applications Information, RT 12/1/2014

[21] Disney Watch Applications’ Updates, RT 12/1/2014

[22] How To Get Away With Murder Image, RT 12/1/2014

[23] How To Get Away With Murder Season Premier, RT 12/1/2014

[24] How To Get Away With Murder Season Finale, RT 12/1/2014

Viacom

Posted on December 1, 2014 by htfergus

by Timothy Chew

[1] Viacom Logo

About Viacom

Viacom is an American mass media company that specialises in entertainment content in over 160 countries across television, film, mobile and online platforms. Viacom is the parent company to many of the world’s most elite entertainment brands including MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, VH1, BET Networks, Comedy Central, SPIKE, TV Land, CMT, Paramount Pictures and many more [2 ].

Reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom’s media networks have become one of the largest media conglomerates in the world [3].

Television Networks

[4] Viacom’s Media Network Brands

Viacom is home to a wide variety of television networks and has successfully developed original entertainment content that has reached a diverse audience [4]. MTV is best known for producing the MTV Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon is one of the most influential television channels in children’s entertainment and Comedy Central is America’s number one comedy channel. Viacom has produced many popular television shows including MTV’s Awkward and Teen Wolf, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and many more [4].

Film

[5] Paramount Pictures Logo

Paramount Pictures Corporation is a film production and distribution studio that is also a subsidiary of Viacom. Paramount is the distributor for DreamWorks Animation, Marvel, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Classics and Paramount Vantage [4]. In 2014, Paramount grossed $953.6 million, becoming the sixth highest grossing film studio in the box office [6]. Paramount has produced many major blockbusters films including “Titanic“, “Transformers“, “Forrest Gump“, “Shrek” and “Iron Man” [7].

Financials

Viacom has remained well positioned financially this year. In the fourth quarter of 2014, Viacom’s revenue has increased 9% from $3.6 billion to $3.9 billion [8]. Viacom’s Media Networks annual year-end revenue has rose significantly from $9.6 billion to 10.1 billion [8]. However, Viacom’s film entertainment’s suffered a decrease in annual year-end revenue dropping from $4.2 billion to $3.7 billion [8]. Viacom’s year-end operating income has rose to 5% to a record breaking $4.13 billion from $3.9 billion in 2013 [8].

Key Executives

[9] Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer

[10] Thomas E. Dooley, Chief Operating Officer

[11] Wade Davis, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development

Recent News

[12] Viacom Acquires Channel 5

Viacom Closes Acquisition of UK’s Channel 5

After announcing a deal on May 1st, Viacom has closed acquisition of British’s broadcaster Channel 5 for $725 million on September 10th [12]. This deal was made to expand Viacom’s investment in its entertainment content produced in the UK. In addition, Nickelodeon will be partnering with Channel 5’s pre-school program, Milkshake. Viacom and Channel 5 will collaborate to produce a new animated series called “Nella the Knight“, their first co-production which is under Viacom’s wing [12]. Viacom and Channel 5 will co-fund “Nella the Knight“, which will be produced in the UK. Channel 5 will also air episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [12]. Besides that, MTV UK and Channel 5 are partnering to commission a new series called 10,000 BC. In 10,000 BC, 20 participants leave the comforts of their modern life and travel back to the Stone Age. This 10 episode series is set to premiere on Channel 5 in 2015 [12].

[13] Viacom and Sony Partnership

Viacom and Sony Inks Internet Distribution Deal

Viacom announced a major programming deal with Sony to license live and on demand programming for at least 22 Viacom cable networks including Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, SPIKE, and VH1 for Sony’s cloud-based TV service [13]. This agreement marks Viacom’s first deal to provide its networks for an Internet based live TV and Video On Demand service. Sony’s new cloud-based TV service will integrate live TV content with a dynamic experience people are accustomed to look for form their network. This new service will provide access to hundreds of hours of Viacom programming to over 75 million Internet-enabled Sony devices in the U.S [14].

Releases

[15] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, directed by Jonathan Liebasman

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is an action comedy film that made tremendous success in the box office this summer. The film was produced by highly acclaimed “Transformers” producer Michael Bay and directed by Jonathan Liebasman. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” was a recreation of the original comic series. On its opening weekend, this summer blockbuster locked in a staggering $65 million [16]. Since its release, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” has made $191 million in the US and $286 million in the international market. This film surprisingly remained number 1 in the box office on its first two weeks of release [16].Unlike many films released this summer, this film managed to surpass its budget within 3 weeks of its release, proving to be a major success [16].

[17] Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan

Interstellar

“Interstellar” is a Sci-Fi thriller starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. The film is based on a team of explorers who travel to space on an adventure to search for a habitable planet that could potentially save the human race [17 . The film was director by Christopher Nolan. Unfortunately, “Interstellar” failed to reach its predicted $50 million on its opening weekend, and only made $47.5 million instead [18]. Although, “Interstellar” has not done quite as well domestically by only making $138 million since its premiere, it has been a major success in the foreign market making a whopping $331 million, surpassing its $165 million budget. Since its opening weekend, the film has made over $468 million worldwide proving to be a global success [19].

Upcoming Releases

[20] Eye Candy, MTV’s New Thriller

MTV Announces New Scripted Thriller

MTV announced a new scripted thriller series called “Eye Candy.” The new series is based on R.L Stine’s popular novel “Eye Candy.” The series is produced by Jason Blum and Catherine Hardwicke. “Eye Candy” revolves around tech genius, Lindy who is played by Victoria Justice [21]. Lindy begins online dating and suspects one of her strange suitors to be a potential serial killer. Lindy then partners with a team of hackers to solve these mysterious murders on the streets of New York. “Eye Candy” is an 10-episode, hour-long thriller that is set to premiere on January 12, 2015 [21].

Trailer [22].

Mission-Impossible-5-starring-Tome-Cruise

[23] Mission Impossible 5, directed by Christopher McQuarrie

Mission Impossible To Release Fifth Film

The fifth instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise is hitting theatres next winter. The film is directed by Christopher McQuarrie and written by Drew Pearce. “Mission Impossible 5” is produced by Paramount and J.J Abrams’ Production Company, Bad Robot. In “Mission Impossible 5“, Tom Cruise will be returning to his role of Ethan Hunt. The previous film, “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” set the record very high after grossing a staggering $695 million globally [24]. Mission Impossible 5 is set to release on December 25th, 2015. The film’s trailer has not been released [25].

Sources

[1] Viacom’s Logo, Variety.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[2] About Viacom, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[3] “Advertising Revenue Drive Media Networks Business“, Marketrealist.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[4] Viacom Brands, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[5] Paramount Pictures’s Logo, Paramountguilds.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[6] Studio Market Share, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[7] Paramount’s All Time Box Office Results, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[8] Viacom’s Fiscal Report 2014, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[9] Philippe Dauman, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[10] Thomas E. Dooley, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[11] Wade Davis,Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[12] Viacom Closes Acquisition of Channel 5, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[13] Viacom and Sony Partnership,Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[14] Viacom Inks Pact with Sony, Variety.com, 9/10/2014, RT: 11/30/2014

[15] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Poster, Teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[16] Box Office Results, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[17] Interstellar Poster, Interstellar-movie.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[18] “Interstellar Final Box Office Fails to Hit $50 Million Estimates”, Variety.com, 11/10/2014, RT: 11/30/2014

[19] Box Office Results, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[20] Eye Candy Poster, Hollywoordreporter.com, 11/02/2014, RT: 11/30/2014

[21] MTV’s New Scripted Thriller, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[22] Eye Candy Trailer, Youtube.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[23] Mission Impossible 5 Poster, Screenrant.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[24] Box Office Results, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[25] “Mission: Impossible 5 to Hit Theaters in December 2015”, Hollywoodreporter.com, 11/13/2014, RT: 11/30/2014

AMC Networks

Posted on December 1, 2014 by htfergus

by Griffin Morrow

AMC Networks and their cable family. [31]

Profile

AMC Networks Inc., operating under the title of Rainbow Media Holdings for decades, is a former subsidiary of Cablevison that was spun off in the Summer of 2011 as a publicly traded company [1]. The New York based organization owns and operates cable channels AMC, IFC, WE tv, and SundanceTV and recently acquired a stake in BBC America [2]. AMC, the obvious bell-cow of the cable bundle, has birthed dramas such as Mad Men and Breaking Bad that helped catalyze the so called “golden age” in cable television from 2007 onwards. This stretch of critical acclaim has scored AMC 207 Emmy nominations along with 33 wins [3], including five of the last six Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series [4].

Key Executives

Joshua Sapan – President and Chief Executive Officer (photos curtesy of AMC Networks [37])

Charles F. Dolan – Executive Chairman

Edward A. Carroll – Chief Operating Officer

Sean S. Sullivan – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Programming Reach

Ranking as the 14th most watched network among the coveted 18-49 demo [5], AMC reaches 97 million American households. AMC Networks, however, finds itself in a unfortunate predicament. Other cable entities WE tv, IFC, and Sundance have failed to match the margins AMC has managed. Among the 18-49 demographic, WE tv ranks 39th, IFC stumbles into 58th, and Sundance checks in at a disappointing 88th [6].

Economics

Three year economic landscape since going public [33].

To the blind eye, AMC Networks would seemingly be reveling in their cult-like headlining dramas they’ve found in Madison Avenue and meth making high school chemistry teachers. Since going public on June 21st of 2011 AMC Networks shares are up nearly $29 in price, an increase of almost 82% over three years [7]. Affiliate fees augmented from a 2007 margin of 22 cents per customer per month to 33 cents in 2013 [8]. The recent 3Q report stated a stout 31% increase in net revenue from levels a year ago to $514.2 million [9]. So what’s not to like for AMC Networks? Ad revenues have slipped by 6% in this recent quarter with a 19% drop in audiences [10]. Operating income this quarter was $12 million short of last years. Shares hit a 52-week low on October 13th when prices fell to $52.75. Moreover, AMCX stock has tumbled by approximately 18% in the last year.

Life After Mad and Bad

Dramatic successes that once stoked the AMC flame have begun to fade. Viewers said goodbye to Breaking Bad last fall and will prepare to jettison Mad Men after it’s end next spring. Questions as to how the organization will survive such gigantic losses in programming have dominated industry conversations for some time. One common theme reigns supreme: if AMC plans on continuing on, they need something to replace their prior hits. And fast. The majority of the industry, AMC Networks investors in particular, are wondering if this is possible.

Zombies Devouring American Audiences

Iconic Walking Dead season 1 poster art where protagonist Rick Grimes investigates a desolate Atlanta.

Protagonist Rick Grimes investigates a desolate Atlanta in the iconic season 1 poster. [32]

The most life in AMC Networks ironically resides within the cold clammy hands of the undead. A television adaption of Robert Kirkman’s zombie apocalypse graphic novel “The Walking Dead” has has wowed audiences suspenseful storytelling and heaps of zombie carnage. The Walking Dead premiered on Halloween night in 2010 with 5.35 million viewers, an AMC first [11]. The show has produced end over end increase since. The Walking Dead ended it’s 4th season with an average of 13.3 million viewers [12], a growth margin that prompted AMC to renew the show for a sixth season before the fifth season even aired [13].

A “Walker” enjoying a mid-afternoon snack. [34]

The infectious love for zombies has proved so strong that the first episode of season five shattered television viewing history. An audience of 17.3 million viewers for the season five premiere crowded The Walking Dead as the highest rated show in cable television history [14]. The October 12th premiere, with help from the 7% increase in viewership, managed to out muscle typical ratings power house Sunday Night Football [15]. Playing off of a dedicated following from the graphic novel has allowed the show to become the most popular program among the 18-49 demographic for two consecutive years [16].

Lightning Doesn’t Strike Twice…

All in all, AMC networks has whiffed when it comes to finding their next trademark show. Recently premiering series that AMC networks hoped would share the same prestigious stage as their predecessors have fallen significantly short. Rubicon, a conspiracy thriller set against the New York skyline, proved anything but thrilling for viewers and was cancelled three months after debuting due to subpar ratings [17].

The Walking Dead stifles the average viewership of the other AMC programming. [35]

The Detroit based crime drama Low Winter Sun adapted from a two-part British mini-series of the same name lasted only ten episodes [18]. Even the more constant series such as Hell on Wheels, Halt and Catch Fire, and TURN have underperformed expectations.

there is importantnt text here that you can’t see

…or Does It?

While millions may have mourned the passing of anti-hero Walter White reign on television, they will not have to wait long to satisfy their Breaking Bad junkie addictions. Former show runner Vince Gilligan and AMC have partnered to produce a prequel to the former Emmy winning series [19]. Better Call Saul, airing this upcoming February, will star Bob Odenkirk and be set six years prior to the events of Breaking Bad. AMC has already renewed the spin off for a 13 episode second season despite a delayed production process [20]. AMC also green lit preliminary production on a companion series for current hit The Walking Dead earlier this year [21]. The show will be standalone from the current series, displaying a new set of characters in an entirely different region of the post-apocolyptic zombie world. Both spin offs are obvious attempts by AMC Networks to brandish new programming through past and present successes.

DirecTV and AMC Clash on Contract

AMC Networks warning message to DirecTV viewers about potential stoppages in content.

AMC Networks warning message earlier this month on website to DirecTV viewers about potential stoppages in content. [36]

DirecTV viewers may been in danger of losing AMC Networks‘ programming after this holiday season. AMC Networks went public with a contract dispute with the satellite provider during a November 2 episode of The Walking Dead [22]. They warned viewers that they were at risk of missing future content stating that DirecTV had not “engaged in meaning negotiations”. AMC Networks has gained a reputation of quarreling with service providers by often publicizing carrier contract disputes and using their viewer as meaningful leverage. Disputes have included Verizon FiOS [23], Suddenlink Communications [24], Rogers Communications [25], and AT&T U-Verse [26] over the past two years. The worst of the carrier disputes came when DISH dropped AMC Networks from their service for nearly four months [27]. The conflict, like the others, stemmed from AMC Networks aggressive price evaluation set in an attempt to profit from newfound success in dramatic programming.

International Distribution Taking Center Stage

AMC Networks rolled out programming in various international markets starting in November, an organizational first for a company that once prided itself on broadcasting classic American movies. AMC International started distribution in Europe with broadcasts in Spain on November 5th [28]. Broadcasts of the new international distribution arm furthered in Latin America a week later [29]. The company plans to continue it’s stretch across the globe with further rollouts. These recent investments into foreign markets can be linked to AMC Netoworks‘ $1.04 billion purchase of Liberty Global’s content division Chellomedia last year [30]. The array of TV networks will be distributed across an estimated 138 countries worldwide with access to more than 390 million foreign households.

Source:

[1] AMC Networks Becomes a Public and Separate Company AMC Networks RT: 11/24/14

[2] AMC close to $200 deal for stake in BBC America New York Times RT: 11/24/14

[3] Budget Squeezing, Producer “Bake-Offs” and Post-‘Breaking Bad’ Challenges The Hollywood Reporter RT: 11/24/14

[4] Emmy Nominee/Winner Database Television Academy RT: 11/24/14

[5] ‘The Walking Dead’ Is A Huge Hit. So Why Is AMC’s Stock Trading So Low? Forbes RT: 11/24/14

[6] ‘Dead’ Breathes Life into AMC Networks Adweek RT: 11/24/14

[7] Financials: AMC Networks Inc (AMCX.OQ) Reuters RT: 12/1/14

[8] AMC is Thriving by Breaking the Rules of Legacy TV The Atlantic RT: 11/24/14

[9] AMC Networks tops 3Q net income and revenue expectations Associated Press RT: 11/24/14

[10] Media Companies miss ad dollars after signing streaming deals NYPost RT: 11/24/14

[11] ‘The Walking Dead’ Snags AMC Highest Premiere Ratings of 2010 Time RT: 11/24/14

[12] The Walking Dead Season 4 Finale Breaks Finale Record With 15.7 Million Viewers AMC blog RT: 11/24/14

[13] ‘The Walking Dead’ Renewed for Season 6 Variety RT: 11/24/14

[14] Walking Dead breaking US cable TV record BBC News RT: 11/24/14

[15] ‘The Walking Dead’ Season 5 Premiere Hits Series High Ratings, Delivering 11 Million Adults 18.49 & 17.3 Million Viewers TVbytheNumbers RT: 11/24/14

[16] ‘Walking Dead’ Renewed For Season 6 By AMC Deadline Hollywood RT: 11/24/14

[17] ‘Rubicon’ is Cancelled by AMC Entertainment Weekly RT: 12/1/14

[18] ‘Low Winter Sun’ Cancelled by AMC Variety RT: 11/24/14

[19] ‘Better Call Saul,’ a prequel spinoff series from ‘Breaking Bad,’ greenlit by AMC NY Daily News RT: 11/24/14

[20] ‘Better Call Saul’ Renewed for Second Season, Delayed Until 2015 Rollingstone RT: 11/24/14

[21] ‘The Walking Dead’ companion series gets pilot greenlight Entertainment Weekly RT: 11/24/14

[22] AMC Uses ‘Walking Dead’ Fans as Weapon in DirecTV Talks Bloomberg RT: 11/24/14

[23] AMC Networks Warns Verizon FiOS Customers That Channels Could Go Dark Deadline Hollywood RT: 11/24/14

[24] AMC Networks, Suddenlink in License Fee Dispute Broadcasting and Cable RT: 11/24/14

[25] Rogers and AMC Networks End Carriage Dispute With Multi-Year Canadian Deal The Hollywood Reporter RT: 11/24/14

[26] AT&T Statement on AMC Networks Programming Agreement AT&T press release RT: 11/24/14

[27] Dish Network Says It Will Drop AMC Networks Due To Price, Not VOOM Deadline Hollywood RT: 11/24/14

[28] AMC TV channel launches in Spain telecompaper RT: 11/24/14

[29] AMC Networks International Announces Major Expansion of Sundance Channel Global in Latin America With First-Ever Launches in Six Territories AMC International press release RT: 11/24/14

[30] AMC to Buy Liberty Global’s Chellomedia for $1.04 Billion Bloomberg RT: 11/24/14

[31] AMC Networks logo AMC Networks Website RT: 12/1/14

[32] Walking Dead season 1 poster IMDb image search RT: 12/1/14

[33] AMCX stock three year chart GoogleFinance RT: 12/1/14

[34] Zombie eating an arm Walking Dead fan page RT: 12/1/14

[35] AMC programming averages TV by the Numbers RT: 12/1/14

[36] AMC Networks warning page AMC Networks website RT: 12/1/14

[37] Executive Officers AMC Networks Websites RT: 12/1/14

NewsCorp/21st Century – Fox

Aside

by Lina Ortega

21st Century Fox

[Image courtesy of: new.pentagram.com]

www.21cf.com

Contact information

21st Century Fox 1211 Avenue of the Americas 44th floor New York, NY 10036-8701

Key Executives

Rupert Murdoch: Chairman & Chief Executive Officer [Image courtesy of: thenation.com]

Chase Carrey: President and Chief Operating Officer [Image Courtesy of: stockspinoffs.com]

James Murdoch: Co-Chief Operating Officer [Image Courtesy of: mikeangryman.com]

About 21st Century Fox

What was once News Corporation since 1953 [I], is now comprised by “News Corp” and “21st Century Fox.” News Corp consists of a publishing group that includes several newspapers like Wall Street Journal, New York Post and Times of London. 21st Century Fox is a broadcasting and film company that includes the “Fox News channel”, “20th Century movie and television studios”, “Fox sports”, “FX”, “National Geographic” and “FOX broadcast network”. [II] This separation was intended to ensure that both companies were conducted under more a centered management, which makes both companies more valuable.

21st Century Fox is a global media company and was founded in June 28, 2013 [III]. It acquires market from four principal operating segments: 1- Cable network programming, which it’s mostly production and licensing content through cable, telecommunications providers, and broadcast satellite. 2- Television, which operates the company’s 28 full-power broadcast stations. 3- Film Entertainment, the operator of the company’s numerous film and television production studios. 4- Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, which provides programming to international markets. The company also holds a 39% of BSkyB, the British entertainment and communications provider. 21st Century Fox makes its revenue principally on affiliate subscriptions, broadcast and advertising fees, content licensing and retransmission revenues to maintain the top line [IV]. Fox Broadcasting Company ended the year 2012 at number one in the key adult demographic for the eight consecutive year in America [V].

Financials

The Cable Network Programming segment surpassed $12 billion in revenue for the first time in its history, up 13% over their prior year. 2014 21st Century Fox Annual Report:

What’s Happening Now?

In cable programming, FX Networks has currently 25 successful shows on air [VI].

Image courtesy of: The Christian Post

American Horror Story is now on the 7th episode of its 4th season “Freak Show” and it is one of the most watched TV series of the FX Networks. The show presents an anthology of different narratives for each new season [VII]. With an 8.4 out of 10 by IMDB, the show went from 2.82 million viewers on its first season to 4.00 million viewers now [VIII].

In television, FOX has a great variety of very recognized shows that can range mostly in animation, comedy, and thriller.

Image courtesy of: forbes.com

One of the FOX newest TV shows premiered recently on September 22, 2014 with 8.21 million viewers [IX]. Gotham explores the beginning tales of Commissioner Gordon. While in the show he is still a detective, he has yet to meet Batman and the villains who made Gotham City so popular [X]. Gotham received two nominations in the TV divisions for the “American Society of Cinematographers 29th annual Outstanding Achievement Awards” . Additionally, the pilot was recognized in the category for a TV movie, miniseries or pilot [XI].

20th Century Fox is one of the most recognized film industries in the world. This year 2014, Fox released 13 feature films with a result of $1,539,266,539 in total gross [XII]. This includes: X-Men: Days of Future Past, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, How to Train your Dragon 2, Gone Girl and Rio 2, as in order of total ranking.

Image courtesy of: msmagazine.com

Gone Girl was released in October 3, 2014 and it has a domestic total of $160,757,000 as of today November 30th, plus a $173,400,000 of foreign totals while the production budget was only 61 million. Currently in its 5th week, it is ranked number 8 [XIII]. Gone Girl has received many awards including the “Hollywood Film Award” at the 2014 Hollywood Film Festival [XIV].

Penguins of Madagascar is an animated comedy distributed by 20th Century Fox and is its newest film on the market, released on November 26, 2014. This film takes the peculiar penguin characters of the previous Madagascar movies, whom must stop a villain doctor from destroying the world [XV]. As of its first weekend it is currently number two with a total gross of $36 million [XVI].

This has been one of the best years for Fox and they are not planning on backing down. On December 5, 2014 The Pyramid will be released. The Pyramid is about an archaeological team ventures to unlock the mysteries of a lost pyramid and instead find themselves hunted by an insidious creature [XVII].

As Europe’s leading entertainment company, Sky has 20 million consumers across five countries: Italy, Germany, Austria, the UK, and Ireland [XVIII].

Image courtesy of: denofgeek.com

Penny Dreadful is a psychological thriller that brings together literature’s most terrifying classical characters, like Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray [XIX]. It aired on May 11, 2014, and it won “Most Exciting New Series” at the Critics Choice Television Awards [XX]. Penny Dreadful is coming back with its new season for a 2015 debut on the channel [XXI].

In Other News

Image courtesy of: The Independent

Exodus: Gods and Kings has received criticism due to its lack of ethnic diversity, to which Rupert Murdoch decided to respond by tweeting the following: “Moses film attacked on Twitter for all white cast. Since when are Egyptians not white? All I know are.” [XXII]. Murdoch has not received too many good responses about this issue.

Image courtesy of: realscreen.com

On October 10, 2014, 21st Century Fox and Apollo made an agreement to create a leading company multi-platform content provider each of them owning 50 percent. Now Endemol, Shine Group, and Core Media will be a sole group in over 30 markets including digital, gaming and distribution operations [XXIII].

Up until 2018, Fox has 48 movies, including many sequels as well as prequels that are yet to come [XXIV].

[I] News Corporation Limited History From 2002. Retrieved November 27, 2014 [II] NewsCorp Divides Into Two Companies From June 28, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2014 [III] 21st Century Fox Company Details Retrieved November 27, 2014 [IV] 21st Century Fox Analysis From November 24, 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2014. [V] Fox Broadcasting Company Retrieved November 29, 2014. [VI] 21st Century Fox Retrieved November 27, 2014. [VII] American Horror Story Retrieved November 29, 2014 [VIII] American Horror Story Numbers From October 13, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2014 [IX] Monday Final Ratings From September 23, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2014 [X] Gotham TV Show From September 22, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014 [XI] ASC Nominations for TV Cinematography From November 19, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XII] 20th Century Fox Box Office Mojo From November 23, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XIII] Box Office Mojo Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XIV] Gone Girl Tops Hollywood Film Awards From November 14, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XV] The Penguins of Madagascar Retrieved December 1, 2014 [XVI] Penguins of Madagascar Box Office Mojo Retrieved December 1, 2014. [XVII] The Pyramid Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XVIII] Sky Retrieved November 29, 2014. [XIX] Penny Dreadful TV Series Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XX] Penny Dreadful Awards Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XXI] Penny Dreadful First Look From November 21, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XXII] Rupert Murdoch’s Response From November 30, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014. [XXIII] 21st Century Fox and Apollo From October 10, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2014. [XXIV] New Movie Releases Retrieved November 30, 2014.

Sirius XM Radio

Posted on December 1, 2014 by htfergus

by Andrew Spalter

Courtesy of Consumer Affairs [1]

Seriously, what is Sirius XM [2]?

Sirius XM is a commercial-free listening service that is always in your grasp. Whether it be by smartphone, tablet, computer, home, or even car, you can always listen to Sirius XM radio within Wifi or Cellular range. The channels consist of every genre, play-by-play sports, news and talk, and the biggest/hottest entertainment, 24/7.

Sirius XM has over 175+ channels that range from every genre of music to some of the most listened to entertainment channels in the world, including the wildcard, Howard Stern [3]. With over 26 million subscribers [4] Sirius is one of the largest most subscribed to Music Streaming/Radio service.

sirius_xm_channel_lineup_starting_may_4_2011

Courtesy of Maple Crest for Lincoln Union [5]

Who is in Charge [6] Here?

James E. Meyer (CEO) -Courtesy of SBU.edu [7]

MV5BODkyOTYxMjA1N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMTI0OTIz._V1_SY317_CR9,0,214,317_AL_

Scott Greenstein (President & Chief Content Officer) -Courtesy of IMBD.com [8]

Dara Altman (Left) (Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer) -Courtesy of New York Social Diary [9]

Resources-16149-DonnellyP_2011_20141011115535

Patrick L. Donnelly (Executive VP & General Counsel) -Courtesy of Pli.edu [10]

Sirius XM’s Financials [11]

Closing the previous weekend, Sirius XM (SIRI) [12] is trading at $3.63. Since Sirius XM is a publicly traded company, their total company revenue has sky rocketed the past few years. Going from a $3 Billion revenue to closing at a $3.8 Billion revenue last year. Sirius XM is the largest radio broadcaster [4] and their revenue stream comes from their 26.7 million subscribers. A large amount of their 26.7 million subscribers comes from their vast array of listening devices that their service can be installed on. Everything from a smartphone to a car has the ability to obtain Sirius XM. Along with their multiple ways to be listened to, they have a huge range of genres and entertainment stations including, Howard Stern, Oprah, Pink Floyd, Frank Sinatra, and Tiesto.

-Courtesy of Google Search [13]

Competitors? Who? [14]

Who can compete with a company this large and with fans this loyal and committed into yearly contracts? Not many in fact. Companies such as Pandora [15], or Apple/iTunes [16] (radio), Spotify (Radio) [17], etc., are the closest competitors to Sirius XM. The reason that these particular apps/companies are competitors is due to the fact that you can pay for their radio service. These companies that are competitors to that of Sirius XM are extremely different due to the fact that you cannot instal those streaming services in your car [18] or home. Although, now with new technology you are able to store the application version of these companies into your car, home, phone, and tablet. They are slowly approaching that of the power of Sirius XM, but slowly.

History of Sirius XM

Before Sirius XM was Sirius XM there was a Sirius Radio and a XM Radio, separately. In July of 2008 Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio announced that they had completed their merger [19].

Courtesy of Toplessactions.com [20]

Since then the companies have been called Sirius XM radio and instead of mainly cars only offering Sirius, or XM radio, they offer Sirius XM radio. Before the huge merge, in 2000 the FCC allowed satellite radio to be deployed, thus the launch of three satellites [21] into orbit from Kazakhstan in July. Soon after that Sirius secured partnerships with Chrysler, Ford, and BMW and in 2002 they launched the initial phase of its service in the cities of Denver, Houston, Phoenix, and Jackson, MS [22] in February of 2002, then in July Sirius spread nationwide.

Where can YOU find Sirius XM?

With Sirius covering of 3,717,792 [23] square miles of coast to coast coverage, and with a reach of 200 miles off shore, Sirius XM goes where you go. The satellite radio service can be found in vehicles built by GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Audi, and Volkswagen [24].

Courtesy of Siriusxm.com [25]

Not only can you find the satellite radio in 11 car companies but you can listen to the service in your car, home, boat, plane, business, or even on the go from your Smartphone, Tablet, and Computer. Other places that are capable of playing from Sirius XM are Android devices, the Kindle Fire, Blu-ray & Media Players, Home Audio, Custom Audio, and Smart TV’s. [26]

What’s Happening at Sirius XM, What Can You Expect?

Recently you may have heard that Sirius XM and their competitor Pandora have been slammed with a series of lawsuits over older recordings. The reason beyond these lawsuits is due to the fact that neither company pays record labels or artists for songs that were recorded before the year 1972. This was due to the copyright protection that was first applied to recordings via Federal copyright protection [27].

Courtesy of Bloggless.com [28]

Overall both companies lost their lawsuits but this is a big awakening and a step forward for music subscription via satellite. When one door closes another one opens and due to these lawsuits Sirius XM will be paying artists and labels appropriately, creating lasting business relationships.

Upcoming News/Numbers

Contrary to popular belief, Sirius XM was not always so profitable. Only a few months after their merger in 2008, Sirius was on the cusp of declaring bankruptcy but with the help of a $530 million loan from Liberty Media in 2009, Mel Karmazin was able to negotiate a deal for 40% equity stake in Sirius XM. Then in their fourth quarter of 2009, Sirius XM reported a profit of income of a little over $14 million [29], since then it has all been up hill. They even released a statement via their companies investor site stating, “We expect to double factory installed vehicles to over 100 million by 2018 and plan to offer our unique content and valuable entertainment to even more customers in the future.” (Jim Meyer, President, Sirius XM) [30] In 2012 this statement was released and during that time, Sirius XM was in over 50 million cars. Their goal is coming into fruition with adding nearly half a million subscribers per quarter. Maybe it won’t hit 100-million vehicles, but they are constantly raising the bar higher and higher. The company Sirius XM has made a complete turned a complete 180 from being nearly bankrupt to a company that substantially increases profit each quarter.

Sources:

1. Sirius XM Logo, Consumeraffairs.com, RT: 11/20/2014

2. What is Sirius XM?, Siriusxm.com, RT: 11/20/2014

3. Howard Stern Info, Siriusxm.com/howard100, RT: 11/20/2014

4. Subscriber Info, Siriusxm.com/corporate, RT: 11/20/2014

5. Channel Listings, Maplecrestfordlincolnunion.com, RT: 11/21/2014

6. Executives, Siriusxm.com/bios, RT: 11/20/2014

7. James E. Meyer, Sbu.edu, RT: 11/20/2104

8. Scott Greenstien, Imdb.com, RT: 11/21/2014

9. Dara Altman, Newyorksocialdiary.com, RT: 11/21/2014

10. Patrick L. Donnelly, Pli.edu, RT: 11/21/2014

11. Sirius XM Financials, Investor.siriusxm.com, RT: 11/21/2014

12. Sirius XM Stock, Finance.yahoo.com, RT: 11/21/2014

13. Sirius XM Stock Google, Google.com, RT: 11/21/2014

14. Competitors, Fool.com, RT: 11/21/2014

15. Pandora Info, Pandora.com, RT: 11/21/2014

16. Apple Info, Apple.com, RT: 11/21/2014

17. Spotify Info, Support.spotify.com, RT: 11/22/2014

18. Apple In Car Display, Apple.com, RT: 11/22/2014

19. Merger Info, Investor.siriusxm.com, RT: 11/22/2014

20. Sirius Satellite & XM Picture, Topclassactions.com, RT: 11/22/2014

21. Satellite Info, Archive.fortune.com, RT: 11/22/2014

22. Where Sirius Started, Radiomagonline.com, RT: 11/22/2014

23. Sirius Mileage Coverage, Siriusxm.com/whatissiriusxm, RT: 11/22/2014

24. List of Vehicles Sirius is in, Siriusxm.com/internetradio, RT: 11/22/2014

25. Image of Vehicle List, Nytimes.com, RT: 11/22/2014

26. List of Devices, Siriusxm.com/internetradio, RT: 11/22/2014

27. Lawsuit, Nytimes.com, RT: 11/22/2014

28. Copyright Image, Bloggless.com, RT: 11/22/2014

29. Revenue, Nytimes.com, RT: 11/22/2014

30. Jim Meyer Quote, Siriusxm.com, RT: 11/22/2014

Time Warner (TV/cable channels only)

Posted on October 5, 2014 by htfergus

 by Bridget Parker

: Time Warner Logo [1]

History of Time Warner

Time Warner Inc., is a mega media conglomerate that dominates both the film and television entertainment sectors. During the late 1980’s, there was a period of buyout in which Time Inc. was looking to merge with another company rather than be assumed fully by some unfamiliar corporation. Warner Communications’ seemed to be perfect match and they partnered in 1990, and thus Time Warner, Inc. was born [2].

Operating Divisions

: Time Warner’s Operating Divisions include: Home Box Office (or more commonly referred to as HBO), Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., and Warner Bros. Entertainment [3].

HBO

: HBO Logo [4]

HBO and its sister-network Cinemax [6]

HBO is a leading subscription-based television service offering two television networks, HBO and Cinemax. In 2013, HBO maintained its #1 spot on the domestic front as the highest-rated premium tv service, in both primetime and total day. As a global force, both HBO and Cinemax are accessible in over 60 countries, and HBO’s original programming is licensed to TV networks in over 150 [5].

Known for pushing the envelope with edgy and compelling dramas, HBO has a reputation for racking up awards every year and this year was no exception. Starting off 2014, HBO received 19 Primetime Emmy Awards, with True Detective leading the pack, coming in at five awards. After becoming an overnight success, the second season was ordered and in recent news, the cast for Season 2 has officially signed on. The cast will be comprised of: Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch and Kelly Reilly [7].

Boardwalk Empire Final Season Poster [9]

Among other hit shows, HBO concluded the fifth and final season of Boardwalk Empire in October. While the finale rolled in at 2.3 million viewers and was up 7% from last year’s, it was still down from this year’s premiere. Also, it is important to note that the finale was aired multiple times, and these numbers are not calculated from just the regular timeslot, but take into account viewers tuning in at any of the various times [8 ].

The Newsroom Final Season Poster [11]

Also on the topic of series finales is Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom, which premiered on November 9th for its third and final season [10]. From the beginning, critics argued that the show seemed to fall short of what is expected from Sorkin. When the show wasn’t immediately picked up for a third season in traditional HBO fashion, it seemed the ratings began to reflect those critiques.

This season the ratings continue to dive, dropping almost 45% in its premiere in comparison to last season’s. To add insult to injury, the formerly summer based show decided instead on a fall launch, forcing it to go up against AMC’s fan-favorite and rating-generator, The Walking Dead [12].

As for the remainder of the fall slate, The Comeback has hardly made any sort of comeback, drawing less than half a million viewers. The lack of viewership seems to be attributed to the fact that it is returning after a 10-year hiatus [13]. Also, the return of Getting On in its second season has definitely drawn praise from viewers and critics, but the numbers just still aren’t there [14].

Looking forward, HBO has confirmed a January 11th, 2015 back-to-back half-hour lineup. The reigning half-hours return with Girls and Looking, followed by a new series called Togetherness [15]. From brothers Jay and Mark Duplass, comes a dramedy about two couples living together in Los Angeles, trying to mend their respective relationships, while attempting to follow their own individual dreams [16].

On the business end of things, the company recently announced that they will offer a stand-alone HBO streaming service as of 2015 [18]. This news shocked devout HBO subscribers and media professionals alike, due heavily in part to the fact that there has been a great deal of discussion surrounding whether or not HBO would ever form a stand-alone streaming service housing all of their original programming, without requiring a television subscription. However, HBO’s long-standing answer has always been a firm “no”.

Richard Plepler at the Time Warner Inc. Investor Meeting [19]

Nonetheless, the over-the-top, stand-alone service will become reality next year. At a Time Warner, Inc. investor meeting, Richard Plepler, CEO of HBO, explained the reasoning behind the move, saying that this “…is a large and growing opportunity that should no longer be left untapped. It is time to remove all barriers to those who want HBO” [20].

Turner

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Logo [21]

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. is a mega-media conglomerate that supervises news, entertainment, sports, animation, young adult and children media networks. With a plethora of leading television networks, Turner reaches a vast range of demographics.

Turner’s Brands [22]

Recent News

Kevin Reilly, the new face of TNT and TBS [26]

In October, Kevin Reilly was appointed president of TNT and TBS as well as chief creative officer of Turner Entertainment in October. He arrives during a period of upheaval that is “Turner 2020”. The explanation of this re-brand is that Turner is trying to be more cost efficient, yet expand in the programming department [23]. More importantly, this attempt to revamp came only after 21st Century Fox tried to acquire Time Warner [24].

Under Turner 2020, TNT has already cancelled three shows (Dallas, Franklin & Bash, and Perception) [25]. Although all three have consistently dropped in viewership, more so they don’t align with the move toward edgier entertainment [27].

Other sectors of the overhaul include Boomerang, the popular Cartoon Network derivative, that brings classic cartoons to today’s kids. However, the network will be re-introduced globally to include both the vintage shows parents remember, and new contemporary ones [28].

Joint NBA TNT Logo [29]

Turner also reached a deal with the NBA that added 12 live regular season games per year to air on TNT. Although Turner and the NBA have a history together, this partnership would make TNT home to opening night and more NBA Playoff games than any other network. This includes sought after Thursday night doubleheaders, All-Star Weekend events, and one of the Conference finals [30]. Most substantially, Turner Sports’ TV Everywhere rights will apply to all NBA Content, giving them the power to distribute content across various digital platforms [31].

In other sports news, TBS averaged 4.3 million total viewers in the MLB Postseason, making it the most-viewed postseason telecast since 2010 [32].

Turner channels that Dish customers lost [34]

However, the most significant of Turner’s updates was the Dish – Turner dispute. On October 21st, 2014 Dish subscribers had channels blackout which was the result of the two companies distribution agreement expiring before they arrived at an updated agreement [33]. The carriage dispute ragged on for two weeks, neither company admitting fault other than that of the other. Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen implied that Dish was ready to drop the channels permanently, when he stated:

“We would save a big, big, big check from a cash flow perspective…it’s hard to pay a double-digit price increase for something that people are watching half as much as they used to watch. It’s Turner’s job to make their product better. Not ours” [35].

Needless to say, the channels were reinstated in November after the two decided on a contract extension pending a longer-term agreement [36].

Financials

Summary of Time Warner Stock [38]

Time Warner’s 3Q highlights include:

Revenue up 3% to $6.2 billion
Both Turner and HBO with a 10% subscription increase
Adjusted EPS climbed 34% to $1.22

[37]

Annual Results:

2013 Adjusted EPS, Free Cash Flow and Op Income [39]

2013 Total Shareholder Return [40]

Key Executives

Jeff Bewkes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Time Warner Inc. [41]

Howard M. Averill Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer [42]

Sources

[1] Time Warner’s Logo, LinkedIn.com, RT: 12/01/2014

[2] The TWC Story, TimeWarnerCable.com, RT: 12/01/2014

[3] Time Warner Operating Divisions, TimeWarner.com, RT: 12/01/2014

[4] HBO Logos, HomeBoxOffice.com, RT: 12/01/2014

[5] Time Warner Operating Divisions: Home Box Office, TimeWarner.com, RT: 12/01/2014

[6] HBO and Cinemax Logo Package, Xfinity.Comcast.net, RT: 12/01/2014

[7] True Detective Season 2 Cast Announced, HBO.com, 11/14/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[8] “Ratings: HBO’s ‘Boardwalk Empire’ Gets Slight Boost With Series Finale”, Variety.com, 10/27/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[9] Boardwalk Empire Final Season Poster, HighlightHollywood.com, 7/19/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[10] “HBO confirms November 9 Premieres for ‘The Newsroom’, ‘The Comeback’ & ‘Getting On”, TVByTheNumbers.Zap2it.com, 9/9/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[11] The Newsroom Final Season Poster, Collider.com, 10/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[12] “Newsroom‘ Ratings Down In Return, ‘Comeback’ Debuts Soft”, Deadline.com, 11/11/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[13] “The Comeback season premiere recap: ‘Valerie Makes a Pilot”, EntertainmentWeekly.com, 11/09/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[14] “HBO’s ‘The Comeback’ Is A Ratings Flop”, Vulture.com, 12/01/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[15] “Girls’, ‘Togetherness’ & ‘Looking’ Premiere Dates Set On HBO”, Deadline.com, 11/06/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[16] “See the first trailer for HBO Comedy ‘Togetherness’ from the Duplass brothers”, EntertainmentWeekly.com, 11/07/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[17] Togetherness Season 1: Trailer (HBO), Youtube.com, 11/30/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[18] “HBO Chairman and CEO Richard Plepler Announces HBO to Offer a Stand-Alone HBO Streaming Service in 2015”, TimeWarner.com, 10/15/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[19] Richard Plepler at the Time Warner Inc. Investor Meeting, TVOverMind.com, 10/15/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[20] “HBO to offer online-only option next year — no more need for cable subscription”, TheWashingtonPost.com, 10/15/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[21] Turner Logo, Promaxbda.org, RT: 12/01/2014

[22] Turner Company Overview, Turner.com, RT: 12/01/2014

[23] “Time Warner C.F.O. sheds some light on ‘Turner 2020″, CapitalNewYork.com, 9/18/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[24] “Turner Broadcasting, Home of CNN, TBS and TNT, Will Cut 1,475 jobs”, TheNewYorkTimes.com, 10/6/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[25] 2013-14 TV Season Scorecard, MetaCritic.com, 8/8/2013, RT: 12/01/2014

[26] “Kevin Reilly on Turner Move, Industry Rumors and Leaving Broadcast Forever”, TheHollywoodReporter.com, 11/4/2014 RT: 12/01/2014

[27] “Franklin & Bash’ Cancelled By TNT After Four Seasons”, Deadline.com, 11/11/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[28] “Turner Rebrands Boomerang Globally”, TimeWarner.com, 10/14/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[29] NBA on TNT Logo, Blogs.Adobe.com, RT: 12/01/2014

[30] “Turner Broadcasting and the National Basketball Association Reach Nine-Year Media Rights Extension”, TimeWarner.com, 10/6/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[31] “NBA extends partnership with Turner Broadcasting, Disney”, NBA.com, 10/6/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[32] “2014 MLB Postseason on TBS Averages 4.3 Million Total Viewers; Turner Sports’ Most-Viewed Postseason Coverage since 2010”, TimeWarner.com, 10/16/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[33-34] “Dish, Turner dispute continues, eight channels still black”, HD-Report.com, 10/31/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[35] “Turner Broadcasting Says It’s “Unclear” Why Charlie Ergen’s Upset With Its Nets”, Deadline.com, 11/5/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[36] “Dish Restores CNN, Cartoon Network in Contract Extension”, Bloomberg.com, 11/21/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[37] Q3 2014 Earnings Release, TimeWarner.com, 11/5/2014, RT: 12/01/2014

[38] Summary of Time Warner Stock, TimeWarner.com, 12/02/2014, RT: 12/02/2014

[39-40] Annual Reports, TimeWarner.com, 2013, RT: 12/01/2014

[41] Jeff Bewkes Profile, TimeWarner.com, RT: 12/01/2014

[42] Howard M. Averill Profile, TimeWarner.com, RT: 12/01/2014

Time Warner Cable

Posted on October 5, 2014 by htfergus

by Dan Watson

(15)

Key Executives (13)

Robert D. Marcus
Chairman and CEO

Arthur T. Minson, Jr.
EVP and CFO

Dinesh C. Jain
COO

Ellen M. East
EVP and CCO

Contact (14)

One Time Warner Center

New York, NY 10019-8016

212-484-8000

http://www.timewarnercable.com/en/residential.html

History

In 1992, American Television and Communications (ATC) and Warner Cable merged to become Time Warner Cable (1). Not long after, in 1996, they released the first cable-delivered high speed internet, called Roadrunner (1). Following this was the release of digital cable and video on demand in 1999, digital phone service in 2003, and then finally the “Triple Play” service in 2005 (1). In 2007, Time Warner Cable (TWC) went public, and two years later, in 2009, they separated themselves from their parent company, Time Warner Inc (1).

About The Company

Time Warner Cable is a cable provider that offers high speed internet, digital phone services, and cable services to over 25 states, including Texas, North Carolina, and New York State (1). The company is subscription based, meaning customers pay a certain price per month to receive the content. Cable plans range anywhere from $20 to $50 per month, internet prices range from $35 to $65 per month, and phone service range from $10 to $20 per month (2). Subscribers can also choose the three service deal, which gives you video, phone, and internet for anywhere from $110 to $130 per month (2). As of September 30, 201, the end of their 3rd quarter, TWC has a total of 15.1 million subscribers receiving one or more of their services (1). 10.8 million of them are video subscribers, 11.5 million are internet subscribers, and 4.9 million of them are phone subscribers (1). In New York, North Carolina, and Texas, TWC provides local, all-news channels (1). TWC currently employs 50,000 people all over the US, including a special program that hires military veterans in areas such as technology, construction, and marketing sales (3). In 2013, TWC CEO Glenn Britt retired. TWC announced that the company’s COO at the time, Robert D. Marcus, would proceed him. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of TWC (1).

(17)

Financials

Time Warner Cable is a publically owned company, and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TWC (1). Currently, TWC on the New York Stock Exchange is $148.54 USD (12). Because TWC is a publically owned company, it is obligated to let the public know how it is doing, in the form of quarterly reports. The latest quarterly report, the end of the third quarter, was released on September 30th, 2014 (4). In the fourth quarter alone, TWC had a revenue of $5.7 billion, which was up 3.6 percent, when compared to last year’s third quarter (4). This year to date (September 30th), the company has a total revenue of $17.1 billion, which is a 2.9% increase when compared to the same figure from last year (4). The report boasts the “best third-quarter customer relationship performance in six years” (4). Services in particular, their video service continues to provide the most money out of all the other services. Their video service provided $2.5 billion, while the internet service provided $1.6 billion, and the phone service provided $476 million (4). One notable difference is that both the revenue of the video and phone services for the third quarter went down from last year, with the video bringing in $2.6 billion, and the phone bringing in $498 million (4).

The Comcast, Time Warner Cable Merger

(16)

Back on February 13th, Comcast publicly announced that they wanted to by Time Warner Cable for $45.2 billion dollars (5). Since then, both the FCC and The United States Department of Justice have been investigating and evaluating the deal to see if they will either approve, or decline the deal. On October 8th and 9th, both company’s shareholders approved of the acquisition (6). For TWC, more than 99% of votes from shareholders voted in favor of the deal, showing the support of the deal from the shareholders (6). Immediately after the announcement of the deal, there was a wave of backlash and criticism against the deal. One of the main concerns of the deal is the fact that if the deal were to go through, the ensuing company would have control of roughly 30% of the pay TV market (6). This company would have 33 million subscribers, leagues above any other cable provider (5). Because of this, people are worried that the result of this deal would have far much too control on the cable, phone, and internet markets. With such control, this company would have would have more power to raise prices (5). This would be because they would be the only cable provider in a lot of areas, and customers would have no other option than to pay whatever amount for that cable provider. Some are also worried that this deal could affect competition and innovation. The company could have so much control over the market, that it might deter newcomers from trying to enter the market (5). Because of this, there would be inherently less competition, and much less innovation, as all of the new content and technology a new company could bring to the market would be much less inclined to jump in (5).

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One of the biggest issues of the deal is the possibility of net neutrality being hurt following the completion of the deal (7). Net neutrality is the idea, and law, that every source on the internet is treated equally, and has the same access as any other source (7). This applies heavily to online streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Their whole, or at least majority of their business is based on their ability to stream content to subscribers via the internet. With the completion of the deal, some are worried that the cable company would have so much control, that they could create internet “fast lanes”, and “slow lanes” (7). In other words, Comcast/TWC could make Netflix or Hulu pay an extra amount of money for their products to be streamed faster and in higher quality through the internet that the cable company provides its customers (7). President Barack Obama recently released a statement, saying that net neutrality is essential, and that any deal hindering that would hurt the economy (8). He also called for the FCC to create new rules regulating net neutrality (8). Both parties of the deal have since stated that the deal is still proceeding (9).

(19)

One of the biggest oppositions to the deal happened in Lexington, Kentucky. Arguing over poor customer service, the city was unable to reach a new franchise agreement with TWC, and planed on denying the transfer of ownership, and looking for other cable providers (10). This would have proved a tough task, though, because TWC owns all of the existing cable infrastructure in the city (10). On November 20th, however, the city agreed to a 10 year franchise agreement with TWC, ending negotiations and backlash of the pending deal (11).

Sources

(1) http://www.timewarnercable.com/en/about-us/company-overview.html

History of Time Warner Cable, DR: 11/26/14

(2) http://www.timewarnercable.com/en/plans-packages/cable-internet.html#3services

Time Warner Cable, Packages and Plans, DR 11/26/14

(3) http://jobs.timewarnercable.com/content/military/

Time Warner Cable, Jobs and Military, DR 11/26/14

(4) http://ir.timewarnercable.com/files/2014%20Earnings/3Q14/aQ3-2014-TWC-Earnings-Release-FINAL_v001_a0q10j.pdf

Time Warner Cable Third Quarterly Report, DR 11/21/14

(5) http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/comcast-time-warner-agree-to-merge-in-45-billion-deal/2014/02/13/7b778d60-9469-11e3-84e1-27626c5ef5fb_story.html

Washington Post, Comcast and TWC agree to deal, DR 11/19/14

(6) http://online.wsj.com/articles/time-warner-cable-shareholders-approve-merger-deal-with-comcast-1412869575

The Wall Street Journal, Shareholders Approve, DR 11/20/14

(7) http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/15/opinion/why-the-fcc-should-heed-president-obama-on-internet-regulations.html?_r=0

The New York Times, Net Neutrality Concerns, DR 11/23/14

(8) http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/10/obama-internet-net-neutrality/18793429/

USA Today, Obama’s Statement on Net Neutrality, DR 11/25/14

(9) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/13/comcast-time-warner-full-steam-ahead_n_6149068.html

Huffpost, Deals moving Forward, DR 11/24/14

(10) http://www.kentucky.com/2014/10/07/3468773_citys-action-could-kill-time-warner.html?rh=1

Kentucky.com, Lexington Opposes Deal, DR 11/19/14

(11) http://wuky.org/post/lexington-signs-franchise-agreement-time-warner-cable

WUKY.org, Lexington Agrees to Deal, DR 11/27/14

(12) http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?symbol=TWC.N

Reuters, TWC Stock Information, DR 11/30/14

(13) http://www.timewarnercable.com/content/twc/en/about-us/leadership/overview.html

Time Warner Cable Leadership, DR 11/28/14

Time Warner Cable Leadership Photos, DR 11/28/14

(14) http://www.timewarner.com/contact-us

Time Warner Cable Contacts, DR 11/28/14

(15) http://logos.wikia.com/wiki/File:Time_Warner_Cable_2010.png

Time Warner Cable Logo, DR 11/30/14

(16) http://g.foolcdn.com/editorial/images/144432/comcast_twc-via-comcast-release_large.png

Comcast, Time Warner Cable Image, DR 11/30/14

(17) http://static.squarespace.com/static/514c6ec7e4b0f1fab133877d/514e614fe4b0e29595febc04/514e6178e4b045db9416cc37/1364091272056/?format=1000w

TWC Triple Play Image, DR 11/30/14

(18) http://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/7362006206_ea7fa6b6f8_z.jpg

Net Neutrality Under Attack Image, DR 11/30/14

(19) http://images.bidnessetc.com/img/f1e5284674fd1e360873c29337ebe2d7-president-obama-supports-net-neutrality-addresses-fcc.jpg

Obama On Net Neutrality

Cablevision

Link

by Steven Spohr

Summary

Source – Cablevision.com

Founded in 1973, Cablevision Systems Corporation is a leading telecommunications company that primarily offers television, phone, and Internet services to millions in the NY metropolitan area. Initially serving a mere 1,500 customers on Long Island, Cablevision has since expanded to offer WiFi, a leading local newspaper, and business communications solutions to its over 3 million subscribers. Former properties include Madison Square Garden and Rainbow Media Holdings. [1]

Source – Optimum.com

Cablevision’s television, phone, Internet, WiFi, and business solutions all operate under the ‘Optimum’ brand name. These include (but are not limited to) –

Optimum TV – exclusive home of News 12 Networks, a series of local news channels
Optimum Voice
Optimum Online
Optimum WiFi
Optimum Lightpath – a “leading provider of integrated business communications solutions that meets the needs of larger companies” [1]

Source – www.newsday.com/

Cablevision also owns Newsday Media Group, which runs two local papers. Newsday is a Pulitzer Prize-winning daily newspaper that has been in circulation since 1940. Over 70% of Long Island adults read Newsday, and its articles and reporting have won numerous awards and made it the top paper on Long Island. To provide the most local news possible, Newsday works closely with MSG Varsity (part of the News 12 Networks) to provide detailed coverage of local high school and college sports. amNewYork offers a quick read of city news and events. In addition to the papers, NMG owns Star Community Publishing, which producers weekly shopper publications in Long Island and Queens. It is the largest publisher of its kind in the Northeastern United States. [2]

Leadership

The Dolan family founded Cablevision and continues to lead the company today. Key personnel include [3] –

Charles Dolan – Founder and Chairman / Source – Sean Smith, The Boston College Chronicle

James Dolan – Chief Executive Officer / Source – Al Iannazzone, Newsday.com

Kristin Dolan – Chief Operating Officer / Source – Variety.com

Brian Sweeney – President / Source – POST Online Media

Gregg Seibert – Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer / Source – Business Wire

Hank Ratner – Vice Chairman / Source – The Madison Square Garden Company

Financials

A detailed map of Cablevision’s stock pricing in 2014. / Source – Yahoo! Finance

2014 has seen Cablevision’s stock (CVC) prices gradually increase throughout the year. Starting the year at $17.22/share, CVC stock stands at $20.32/share as of November 29th. February 3rd saw the year’s low of $15.85. Prices peaked in late July, mid-September, and late November. [4]

The following financial information is from Cablevision’s Third Quarter 2014 Results.

Net revenue increased 3.7% to $1.62 billion.
Cable advertising revenue grew 6.8%
Average Monthly Cable Revenue per Customer increased 5.7% to $154.50/customer/month. [5]

These figures represent a continued loss of subscribers for Cablevision across the board. Between satellite TV providers, rival phone companies, and the public’s shift to watching TV online, Cablevision’s audience is becoming fragmented. The company chose to increase its subscription rates in response to decreasing numbers, which is represented by the net revenue and AMCR/C increases. [6]

Recent News

The latter half of 2014 has been a busy one, with notable hirings, financial news, legal troubles, and more.

August 4th

August 4th saw Cablevision’s announcement that it has hired David Dibble as Chief Technology Officer, a newly-created role. Dibble is formerly of Yahoo!, and his hiring is part of Cablevision’s efforts to “become the premier connectivity provider in the market, delivering a peerless customer experience”. [7]

November 7th

A New York Times article revealed a major legal proceeding against Cablevision. The National Labor Relations Board has charged Cablevision CEO James Dolan with “illegally threatening to deny company technicians in Brooklyn a pay increase unless they voted to quit their union”. The NLRB also charged Cablevision itself with “illegally [undermining] the union’s representation of those workers by sponsoring a nonbinding poll to determine whether they wanted to leave their union”, while some workers reported they were being ‘spied on’ during the vote. Federal law states that such a vote can only be conducted by the labor board, not the company. CEO Dolan fired back, calling the NLRB “a tool of Big Labor” and questioning the validity of its findings. The case is ongoing, and Cablevision has stated it will appeal to federal courts, if necessary. [8]

CEO Dolan has plenty of reasons to be frustrated, especially with his ongoing legal troubles with the National Labor Relations Board. / Source – ESPN.com

November 11th

Cablevision teamed up with Time Warner Cable to release the first ever “New York Television Audience Insights Report”. The report sampled the 3.5 million subcribers of Cablevision and TWC in the New York area, which is half of the TV homes in the region. Its aim was to help advertising and marketing departments and companies get better value out of their advertising purchases. Some key findings include –

74% of all TV programming watched was outside of traditional TV ‘prime time’ (8-11PM).
On average, a subscriber will only watch 25 channels in a month.
a whopping 90% of all viewing comes from a mere 100 channels. [9]

These new insights will help create better statistics for TV viewership and aid advertisers in spending money more efficiently.

November 18th

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city is planning an extensive new WiFi network across the five boroughs. The project, dubbed LinkNYC, would provide not only free WiFi, but also no-cost domestic calling and video chat. The 10,000 hotspot system would replace the city’s decaying network of archaic payphones and operate completely with money generated through advertising. Projected to cost around $200 million, LinkNYC would bring in over $500 million over the next twelve years, according to city officials.

This announcement led some to think Cablevision’s Optimum WiFi network would be threatened by this new, massive competition. Cablevision officials have not only dismissed these musings, but have actively worked with New York City on a number of initiatives, possibly including LinkNYC itself. [10]

Mayor-Elect De Blasio Makes Announcement

Mayor de Blasio’s ambitious project looks to dramatically improve WiFi services within the five boroughs. / Source – PIX 11

November 22nd

The Lewisboro Ledger revealed that Cablevision has a new deal with the town of Lewisboro (Westchester County). The deal, which primarily concerns franchising fees, has a number of key improvements –

Over $270,000 in new franchising fees are expected in 2015.
Free cable would be provided to 16 municipal and school buildings, including the public library.
New offers would include a senior discount for those aged sixty-five and older.
Town Board meetings would become available for live-streaming.
The town’s parks and baseball fields will become WiFi-equipped. [11]

November 25th

Kids video-on-demand network Kabillion announced a carriage deal with Cablevision. Kabillion, which is the only independently-owned VOD network ranked in the Top 10 Kids Free On Demand list, will now reach over 50 million homes nationwide. The deal is beneficiary to Cablevision too, as Kabillion reports views exceeding 65 million in 2014. [12]

Bibliography

Principles & Practices

Website by the students of TRF235

Author Archives: htfergus

A+E Television Networks- Carly Cott

Paramount Pictures

Disney/ABC– (TV broadcast & cable properties only)

Viacom

AMC Networks

NewsCorp/21st Century – Fox

Aside

Sirius XM Radio

Time Warner (TV/cable channels only)

Turner

Time Warner Cable

Cablevision

Link