Spotify

Posted on October 5, 2014 by cklytle

by Caitlin Lytle

[1] Brand name and Logo

OVERVIEW:

Spotify is one of the top streaming services on the market and is all about finding the right song for the right moment. There are over 30 million songs to choose to stream from, with over 50 million active users in 58 markets across the globe [2]. While Spotify is relatively new in American, launching in 2011, it was founded in 2008 in Sweden.

The Spotify interface users see [3].

Users can create profiles, and on there create playlists, they can follow other users playlists, and share songs on social media by connecting through Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter. In addition to following their friend’s accounts they can also follow celebrity accounts and see what their followers are listening to on a side bar. The service also serves as a great music discovery tool, with Spotify’s own curated playlists, and radio feature similar to that of Pandora. With free and paid accounts there is a little bit of something for everyone with platforms on a user’s computer, mobile, tablet, and most recently home entertainment systems.

Subscriptions are broken up into two types, free and “premium” accounts in which users pay $9.99 a month to experience add free listening as well as more access to mobile listening and off line listening with data. The ratio to active paying subscribers to free listeners is over 20% [4].

COMPETITORS:

Infographic aligning Spotify with their top competitor streaming services [5].

With the legacy of CDs and era of illegal downloading slowly dying out in the music business, people are looking more and more to streaming as a way to consume music. Because of this and the gap in the market for streaming services, in the last two years there has been a large emergence of streaming services that serve as competitors to Spotify. Last year Beats headphones launched Beats Music, and Amazon Prime Music launched recently as well, amongst already existent competitors like Rhapsody and Google Play.

DEEZER COMES TO UNITED STATES:

Deezer logo [6].

On September 14, 2014 Deezer came to America, which could potentially prove it self to be Spotify’s biggest competitor. Deezer is one of the world’s biggest names in streaming with its services available in 180 countries [5]. Due to licensing rights, they were not able to expand into the U.S. for quite some time, but now have the market of paying subscribers to go from 5 million users to rival Spotify’s 10 million international users [5]. However Spotify is at a slight advantage, because while Deezer is usually formatted with a similar interface to Spotify, Deezer in America is launching on a new platform. Deezer is only launching for US users through pricy Sonos sound systems and only those with speakers and the app can subscribe to the Deezer Elite service, with a steep price tag of $19.99 a month which is double that rate to Spotify’s for premium [7].

TAYLOR SWIFT AND THE STREAMING STRUGGLE:

Celebrity Sightings In New York City - October 30, 2014

Taylor Swift pulls catalog from Spotify [8].

In addition to Deezer coming to America this fall, Spotify also recently suffered another large loss. Pop- country princess, Taylor Swift, just pulled her entire catalog from the streaming service. With such a large artist, obviously Swift has caused a large impact on what consumers are streaming, especially with the recent release of an album. This is all apart of a larger argument right now not only with Spotify, but all streaming services that artists are being paid too little for the amount of plays they are receiving [9]. However, Taylor’s case is different. Management released a statement that she believes art and music are important and should be fully purchased and that albums and means of listening to that music should not be free [8]. Because of this all of her music was pulled from streaming services with free accounts, but not those services where you are required to pay in order to have a profile. There is large debate as to whether or not her music will return, but for the time being fans are expected to buy albums, and how the relationship between Taylor Swift and Spotify will develop is one to track.

SPOTIFY GROWTH:

While this fall has given Spotify some tough situations, this has not stopped them from expanding.

SPOTIFY FAMILY

Spotify Family, is the newest development in the programs interface. Similar to Netflix family accounts, Spotify Family now allows large families to have one billing account but different profiles for different family members, so Dad’s Rolling Stones playlists don’t get mixed in with Daughter’s Disney Princess playlist [10]. There are separate profiles and therefore different recommendations and profiles can be listened to at the same time, unlike before when one account could only be streamed in one place at a time [10]. In addition there is also a premium upgrade discount for families wanting to upgrade to this added service [10].

SPOTIFY + UBER

Spotify collaborates with popular car service, Uber [11].

Spotify is know for its unique brand collaborations, which continue as they offer music lovers cool experiences. This November on the 21^st they collaborated with Uber to give Spotify and Uber the ride of a lifetime [11]. When users had both apps on the 21^st, they could not only request a special car and get a vehicle with the new Spotify- enabled Uber cars, but they also had the chance to either get in a car that took them to a secret show in an undisclosed location, or get the chance to be picked up and driven around by some of their favorite artists [11]. This venture really shows the creative side of Spotify and how they connect with their users beyond a screen.

Artists and Shows available during the Uber promotion [11].

SPOTIFY + CARPLAY

Besides the Spotify- enabled Uber cars, Spotify is now reaching our vehicles this fall with CarPlay support in the latest iOS update [12]. The ioS app adds Apple CarPlay integration with that allows users to access the app through dash receivers and makes it easier for people to use the service in their vehicles [12]. Audi, Ferrari, Ford, and Hundai all plan on making the application available in their upcoming models for the next year [12].

WHAT’S NEXT?

With all of these great strides Spotify is taking to make them selves more user friendly and connect with their users, they will continue to be one of the top streaming services into 2015.

We can look to see Spotify as a brand present at future music festivals next spring as the festival season is fast approaching, as well as other unique music experiences brought to users with live music interaction, beyond the screen.

sources:

1. Spotify’s Logo 2014, Spotifypress.com, RT: 12/01/14

2. Spotify Press Fast Facts, Press.Spotify.com, RT: 12/01/14

3. Spotify User Profile Screen Shot, Open.spotify.com/artists, RT: 12/01/14

4. Spotify Press Information, Press.Spotify.com, RT: 12/01/14

5. Which Music Streaming Service Is the Biggest Worldwide?, Billboard.com, RT: 12/01/14

6. Deezer Logo 2014, Deezer.com, RT: 12/01/14

7. Deezer enters US market with Elite lossless service, Cnet.com, RT: 12/01/14

8. Taylor Swift Explains Why She Pulled Her Music From Spotify, Huffingtonpost.com, RT: 12/01/14

9. How is Spotify Contributing to the Music Business?, Spotifyartists.com, RT: 12/01/14

10. Introducing Spotify Family – one account for the whole band., News.spotify.com, RT: 12/01/14

11. 10 cities. 10 artists. Take a ride or see an exclusive live session., News.spotify.com, RT: 12/01/14

12. Spotify Adds CarPlay Support in Latest iOS Update, Macrumors.com, RT: 12/01/14

iHeartMedia INC.

Link

by Michael Rubloff

Contact Information:

iHeartMedia INC. 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78209 (210) 822-2828

Company History

iHeartMedia INC. was founded in 1972 with the purchase of a first FM channel in San Antonio under the name of Clear Channel Communications. iHeartMedia expanded over the course of thirty years, and by 1995 owned forty-three radio stations. However, with the Telecommunications Act of 1996, iHeartMedia radically expanded and added several stations. Currently, iHeartMedia owns eight hundred-fifty radio stations in the United States that reaches 150 markets. In September 2014, Clear Channel Communications rebranded itself as iHeartMedia INC. [1]

Clear Channel Logo [2]

iHeartMedia INC. logo [3]

On September 16th, 2014 Clear Channel made a massive commitment to the future by rebranding to iHeartMedia INC. The former name Clear Channel was derived from an AM channel and is no longer relevant. iHeartRadio however, is a massive source of entertainment for millions of people. iHeartMedia better reflects what Clear Channel had built and its goals for the future. iHeartMedia also felt that its name was not well known compared to other services such as Spotify and Pandora even though iHeartRadio provided millions of people everyday with entertainment. This move was made in order to make the brand and the product more synonymous with each other.

Corporate Leaders:

Robert Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia INC. [2]

Robert Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia INC. [4]

Richard J. Bressler, President and CFO of iHeartMedia INC. [2]

Richard J. Bressler, President and CFO of iHeartMedia INC. [4]

Wendy Goldberg- Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer

Wendy Goldberg, Executive Vice President and CCO of iHeartMedia INC. [4]

Gayle Troberman, Executive Vice President and CMO of iHeartMedia INC. [4]

John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises of iHeartMedia INC. [4]

Financials:

iHeartMedia is a publically traded company in the OTC market (IHRT). Over the past year the stock has remained relatively stable with a year low of $6.10 and a high at $9.40. The high occurred in the week after the announcement of the rebranding to iHeartMedia.[5] Previously, the ticker for Clear Channel was CCO. In its third quarter report, iHeartMedia reported that revenues were up three percent to 1.6 billion dollars. [6]

Past Six Months of Stock Values of iHeartMedia [3]

Past Six Months of Stock Values of iHeartMedia [5]

Competitors:

iHeartMedia’s long-standing rivals have been CBS Radio and Cumulus Media. However, in the past ten years with the emergence of Satellite Radio, Sirius XM has taken over as iHeartMedia’s biggest rival in terms of revenue. iHeartMedia has permeated SiriusXM, as two of the stations featured on SiriusXM, Z100 and Kiis 102.7, are owned by iHeartMedia.

Pandora Logo [7]

Now that iHeartMedia is putting a focus on its online music service, iHeartRadio, it now competes with Spotify, Pandora, iTunes Radio, and Google Play. In this field iHeartRadio has a great deal of catching up to do as Spotify and Pandora dominate the online streaming market.

However, iHeartMedia has an advantage over its competitors because it crosses over multiple platforms. For instance, Other radio giants such as Cumulus or Sirius are limited to their radio stations. On the other hand, Pandora and Spotify are limited to their apps or their website. iHeartMedia is able to cross between these two platforms in order to better serve their customers desires. Because of this, it is able to capitalize on where its competitors are limited.

Events:

iHeartMedia is known for its excellence in creating live events directly catered to specific demographics. On October 2nd, it announced the first ever iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, a massive concert aimed at Latin music fans.[8] It took place on November 22nd, and was a massive success. This experimental event seems to have been a good investment for iHeartMedia as their Spanish and English radio stations reach “93 percent of Hispanics monthly” [9].

iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina logo [10]

The Fiesta Latina is the newest addition to iHeartMedia’s collection of live events including the Jingle Ball Concert Tour, Country Festival, and the iHeartRadio Music Festival. While it remains to be seen if the Fiesta Latina will be made into an annual event, it most likely will given its success. One week later, on October 9th, the lineups and locations of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour were announced. This annual tour has become one of the year’s most exciting events. The tour will begin on Sunday, November 30th and finish on Monday, December 22nd. This event is supposed to cater to listeners of the top40 stations on iHeartRadio and reflect what listeners want to see. This year the New York City concert will be streamed exclusively on Yahoo.com for fans who are unable to attend.[11]

October 2014:

October was a busy month for iHeartMedia as it made several business announcements. On October 7th, iHeartMedia announced a $200 million partnership with Omnicom to develop a multi platform device that will give insight into iHeartMedia’s events as well as technologies.[12]

While this will help Omnicom better target customers, the real winner is iHeartMedia. This deal is dangerous for iHeartMedia’s competitors because this project will allow iHeartMedia to see how it can improve on its multi platform features. Essentially, iHeartMedia will continue to widen the gap between what Pandora and Cumulus are able to do. This will help iHeartMedia become a more versatile company and extend its already industry leading reach.[12]

The next day on October 8th, iHeartRadio announced that it would be available on Android Wear beginning on October 15th. This represents another step forward for the integration of iHeartRadio in technology as iHeartRadio had already announced integration with “Amazon’s Fire Phone, Amazon’s Fire TV, Android Auto, Google’s Chromecast, Apple’s CarPlay, Samsung’s Gear 2 Smartwatch, Qualcomm’s AllPlay and new auto partnerships with Subaru, AT&T Drive, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia and Volvo” [13] earlier this year. By spreading across to different manufacturers, iHeartMedia makes itself more accessible, convenient, and well known. This strategy is directly reflective of the rebranding because it exposes more users to the services provided by iHeartMedia.

iHeartMedia did not stop there. On October 15th, Gayle Troberman was named the Chief Marketing Officer of iHeartMedia. This is a new role created with the intention to “connect them (iHeartMedia) more closely to consumers, helping integrate the company’s brands, products and platforms even more deeply into consumers’ daily lives.” [14] This is necessary after the rebranding because it will decrease the amount of time needed for consumers to become familiar with the iHeartMedia brand. This is a fantastic idea and could pay off exponentially for iHeartMedia in the coming years. iHeartMedia is doing a fantastic job of identifying what it needs to improve and is taking logical steps to ensure it remains an industry leader.

What’s in the future:

In the next year, iHeartMedia hopes to continue to reach more customers through social media, live events, and radio. It hopes that its customers will become familiar with the iHeartMedia brand and be able to connect it to popular music events, radio stations, and the iHeartMusic application.

iHeartMedia has embraced the change that is coming to the industry and appears to pioneering the way for other companies to follow it. While the long term effects of rebranding remain to be seen, it has initially been successful. In the next half year, look for iHeartMedia’s competitors to try and catch up with the ability to move across platforms.

Resources

[1] Clear Channel Becomes iHeartMedia. Published September 16, 2014. Accessed November 22nd.

[2] Clear Channel Logo. Published June 26, 2012. Accessed November 29th.

[3] iHeartMedia INC. Logo. Date Published N/A. Accessed November 29th.

[4] Corporate Team. Date Published N/A. Accessed November 22nd.

[5] Stock Information. Updated Daily. Accessed November 29th.

[6] Financial Report. Published October 28th, 2014. Accessed November 22nd.

[7] Pandora Logo. Date Published N/A. Accessed November 22nd.

[8] iHeartMedia Fiesta Latina Announcement. Published October 2nd, 2014. Accessed October 30th.

[9] iHeartMedia Factsheet. Date Published N/A. Accessed November 22nd.

[10] iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina Logo. Published November 22nd. Accessed November 29th

[11] Jingle Ball Tour. Published October 9th. Accessed November 22nd.

[12] iHeart Media Omnicom Partnership. Published October 7th, 2014. Accessed November 22nd.

[13] iHeartRadio Android Wear Integration. Published October 8th, 2014. Accessed November 22nd.

[14] Gayle Troberman named iHeartMedia’s Chief Marketing Officer. Published October 15, 2014. Accessed November 22nd.

CBS Radio

Posted on October 5, 2014 by chport

by Carly Port

[a] Photo Courtesy of www.billboard.com; CBS Radio Logo

By Carly Port

CONTACT INFORMATION [1]

1271 Avenue of the Americas FL 44

New York, NY 10020

(212) 649 – 9600

www.cbsradio.com

ABOUT CBS RADIO

CBS Radio operates as a division of Columbia Broadcasting System and as one of the leading providers of original media content across an array of platforms. CBS Radio delivers material to an audience of over 72 million and owns and operates 126 radio stations in 27 markets [2].

CBS made its debut network broadcast on September 18, 1927 at 3 p.m. Sixteen stations from Providence to St. Louis were present that Sunday. In January 1941, CBS launched Latin American stations in eighteen countries [3]. In 1974, CBS Radio reignited the radio drama craze with its introduction of CBS Radio Mystery Theater [3]. In November 1995, CBS was bought out by Westinghouse Broadcasting [4]. CBS Radio became a part of Infinity Broadcasting in June of 1996. In September of 1999, reports announced that Viacom would acquire CBS Corporation for nearly 37 billion dollars [5]. Finally, in 2005, Infinity Broadcasting rebranded itself as the new and current CBS Radio [6].

Key Executives

[b] Photo Courtesy of www.cbsradio.com; CBS Radio President & CEO Dan Mason [7] 2008 Most Powerful Person in Radio

[c] CBS Local Media Chief Operating Officer Anton Guitano

[c] Photo Courtesy of www.cbsradio.com; CBS Local Media Chief Operating Officer Anton Guitano

[d] Photo Courtesy of www.cbsradio.com; CBS Radio Executive Vice President, Operations New York Market Manager Scott Herman

[e] Photo Courtesy of www.cbsradio.com; CBS Radio President of Sales Michael Weiss

[f] Photo Courtesy of www.cbsradio.com; CBS Logal Digital Media President Ezra Kucharz

In September, CBS Corporation added John Vilade as Vice President of National Digital Sales for CBS Local Media. In this position, from a strictly radio focus, Vilade will work directly with Michael Weiss to expand opportunities and conveniences for interested advertisers and expedite revenue expansion [8].

Additional Executive Biographies

TOP COMPETITORS

CBS Radio’s top competitors in the market are Iheartcommunications and Radio One [9].

INSIDE CBS RADIO {PLATFORMS}

Broadcast

CBS Radio provides industry-leading, play-by-play sports content to stations nationwide. CBS Radio Broadcast caters to over two dozen fan-favorite franchises of the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB all over the board featuring the Boston Celtics, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Red Wings, New England Patriots, New York Giants and the New York Yankees. CBS Radio boasts beloved personalities as a key factor of its broadcast success such as Carson Daly, Ryan Cameron, Mike Francesa and Kevin and Bean to name a few [10].

Local Digital

CBS Local Digital Media accumulates well-known, dependable media brands providing consumers with a unique, “local” experience. This multimedia venture combines pertinent characteristics of CBS’s radio and television departments to create over twenty major market doorways into exposure of news, weather, traffic, sports and entertainment, industry-leading music and lifestyle sites. Portals into Radio.com offer live and on-demand visual and audio content and Eventful presents a terminal for event discovery. The on-the-go aspect of CBS Local Digital Media keeps nearly 50 million consumers content and happy on a monthly basis [11].

Mobile

CBS Radio has made listening to consumers’ favorite radio stations easier than ever. With CBS Radio’s new mobile approach, audiences can access their favorite sports outlets, latest-breaking news sources and most diversified music programs in the most portable manner yet, available as apps on an eclectic assortment of devices. Not only are 150 radio stations now available in mobile form, but also news clips and video interviews with the hottest athletes and artist can now be viewed on the majority of user-owned devices [12].

CBS Sports Radio

Only two years old, CBS Sports Radio is available in all of the Top 10 markets nationwide. A hybrid of CBS Radio and CBS Sports, CBS Sports Radio covers a vast range of sports and features experienced, renowned broadcasters such as Jim Rome, Tiki Barber, Doug Gottlieb and Scott Ferrall among many others [13].

FINANCIALS

[g] Photo Courtesy of www.finance.yahoo.com; CBS Corporation Stock Market Summary at the Close of 12/1/2014

At the end of the day on December 1, 2014, CBS Corporation was down 0.41% at $54.47 a share. The year change was down 7.63% and was lowest in October, at $48.91 a share. The highest stock price this year was in March at $67.55 a share [14].

CBS Corporation successfully ended its third quarter with revenues of $3.37 billion, a 2% increase from last year’s third quarter revenues of $3.30 billion. Recent successes can be attributed to CBS’s Television Networks, specifically Thursday Night Football. Net earnings decreased from last year’s third quarter revenues of $431 million to a current $400 million, related to increased foreign exchange rates [15].

CBS Corporation’s Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone summarized the company’s reaction to the third quarter statement [15]:

“CBS continues to succeed on the strength of its tremendous content… Les and his team are optimizing the Company for future growth at every turn, and I have the utmost confidence in their ability to increasingly drive shareholder value in these dynamic times of great opportunity [15].”

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Michigan News Network

[h] Courtesy of www.allaccess.com; CBS Radio & Townsquare Media Partner to Create Michigan News Network

On September 2nd, CBS Radio and Townsquare Media partnered together to form a news and sports all-Michigan network, Michigan News Network. The network provides content for nearly twenty affiliate stations across the state of Michigan. MNN provides top-of-the hour updates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. as well as 60-second sport broadcasts three times a day. CBS Radio will provide the original content while Townsquare Media will have exclusive syndication rights and deal with affiliate relations with stations ranging from Ann Arbor to Detroit. CBS Radio’s Detroit stations such as WWJ Newsradio 950 have always topped Michigan radio charts and have established themselves as the leading voices for Detroit, so the move towards providing content for the entire state has been readily anticipated [16].

“We are excited to be working with Townsquare to distribute our award-winning programming to listeners across the entire state of Michigan, while also realizing the highest value for our content.” –CBS Radio CEO & President Dan Mason [16]

“We Can Survive” Concert

[i] Photo Courtesy of losangeles.cbslocal.com; Pharrell Williams at the 2nd Annual We Can Survive Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl attendees were in for the experience of a lifetime at CBS Radio’s second annual We Can Survive Concert. As part of CBS Radio’s special events platform and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, two dollars of every ticket sold aided two organizations, Young Survival Coalition and Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which cultivate and assist families and women that have been touched by and endured breast cancer [17].

[j] Video Courtesy of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls1kyMl7af4

The night was filled with emotions and female-centered song choices with Pharrell Williams beginning his set through a narration of his personal accounts of dealing with cancer in his family and statements about the pertinence of females to mankind and survival. Williams performed an eclectic set, and was joined by Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani, Ariana Grande, and Alicia Keys for her first year at the event, as well as other top-tier performers. The music performed covered everything from Country and R&B to Hip-Hop and Top 40 [17].

[i] Photo Courtesy of radio.com; Taylor Swift at the 2nd Annual We Can Survive Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

[k] Photo Courtesy of radio.com; Taylor Swift at the 2nd Annual We Can Survive Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Multimedia Sources:

[a] CBS Radio Logo From 07 March 2013. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[b] Dan Mason Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[c] Anton Guitano Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[d] Scott Herman Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[e] Michael Weiss Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[f] Ezra Kucharz Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[g] CBS Corporation Market Share Updated 01 December 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[h] Michigan News Network From 26 August 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[i] 2nd Annual We Can Survive Concert Pharrell Williams From 25 October 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[j] 2nd Annual We Can Survive Concert Behind the Scenes Video From 25 October 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[k] 2nd Annual We Can Survive Concert Taylor Swift From 25 October 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

Text Sources:

[1] CBS Radio Contact Information Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[2] About CBS Radio Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[3] CBS Radio Timeline Updated 21 May 2012. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[4] Westinghouse Buys CBS New York Times From 02 August 1995. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[5] Viacom Buys CBS CNN Money From 07 September 1999. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[6] Infinity Rebranding From 14 December 2005. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[7] Radio Ink Magazine Most Powerful People in Radio From 07 July 2008. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[8] John Vilade Named VP of CBS Radio From 03 September 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[9] CBS Radio’s Top Competitors Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[10] CBS Radio Broadcast Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[11] CBS Radio Local Digital Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[12] CBS Radio Mobile Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[13] CBS Sports Radio Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[14] CBS Corporation Stock From 01 December 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[15] CBS Corporation Financials From 05 November 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[16] Michigan News Network From 26 August 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

[17] CBS Radio Recap We Can Survive Concert From 25 October 2014. Retrieved 01 December 2014.

Viacom

Posted on October 5, 2014 by nawhite

by Nalae White

Viacom Inc. 1515 Broadway

New York, NY 10036

United States

Phone: (212)-258-6000

http://www.viacom.com [1]

Key Executives:

Philippe Dauman, CEO

Sumner M. Redstone, Founder & Executive Chairman

Thomas E. Dooley, COO

Wade Davis, CFO

Company Overview:

Viacom Inc. is an American mass media company that mainly produces films and cable television shows. Viacom is the fifth largest broadcasting and cable company in the country. Their network reaches approximately 700 million subscribers internationally, throughout about 160 countries and territories. It is estimated that Viacom owns and operates roughly 170 networks, in addition to Paramount Studios, America’s oldest film studio and distributor. Viacom’s networks are largely content based, satisfying more niche markets. Viacom operates hundreds of online, mobile, and app experiences across a wide range of media platforms, including both traditional and new forms of media. [2]

Viacom Owned Networks [i]

Viacom’s history as an independent company has been complicated. Viacom began as a spin-off network from what was then CBS, Inc., establishing itself as a public company in 1971. In 1987, National Amusements acquired the controlling shares of Viacom, owning 83% of the company. However, in 2000, Viacom formed a $39.8 billion merger with CBS Corporation, uniting the two companies once again. Then, in 2005, the companies parted ways again and Viacom rebranded itself as Viacom Inc. Along the way, Viacom had acquired and created over 100 channels through MTV Networks and otherwise. The company has experimented with joint ventures like EPIX, partnerships with music groups like Warner Music Group, feeding into more targeted markets with channels like mtvU, and of course new and innovative ideas for creating and distributing content. [3]

Current Ongoings:

Rendering of Columbia Square [4]

Viacom recently made the decision to relocate and consolidate several of its big name networks to one building in Columbia Square on Sunset Boulevard. MTV, Spike TV, Comedy Central, and BET will all operate out of the $420 million complex within 180,000 square feet of space. The move will put the networks closer to Paramount Studios, which operates a mile from the building. Viacom’s 12-year lease states that the company will capacitate nearly the entirety of a 6-story building within the complex. The lease is the largest to be signed in Hollywood in the last 10 years. Viacom is expected to poster sizable graphics that will be visible from far distances on the building. The purchase is instrumental in what is seen as a revamping of Hollywood, with the complex being the largest “media-tenant” since the construction of the Capitol Records Tower in the 1950s. [4]

Viacom’s network continues to expand, opening new channels to satisfy new markets. This year, Viacom renewed an existing distribution deal with Hulu, an online media streaming service. The contract allows Hulu to use Viacom’s existing repertoire of cable networks to substantiate Hulu’s own library. The renewal will also allow Hulu a wider range of material to choose from, including networks that were not previously available to the streaming service before, such as MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. The deal will contribute largely to the “Hulu Kids” section of the website, reviving older series accompanied by a sense of nostalgia like “Ren & Stimpy” and “Hey Arnold!” which currently air on Viacom’s TeenNick channel. The deal also greatly amplifies the number of Viacom’s past reality shows that will be featured on Hulu. It is speculated that the deal is an attempt by Hulu to compete with Amazon Prime’s Instant Video Inventory. However, the deal barely rivals the existing subscription-streaming deal between Amazon and Viacom, which was the largest sum Amazon has paid for a streaming deal thus far.[5]

Channel 5 Logo [ii]

Viacom has, additionally, closed a £450 million deal, acquiring UK’s Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited from Northern & Shell Media Group. Channel 5 and Viacom’s existing networks have begunexperimenting with joint programming, airing Nickelodeon originated shows on Channel 5, as well producing new content with children’s shows like “Nella the Knight” and a reality show called “10,000 B.C.”[6]

Recent Legal Incidents:

In 2007, Viacom filed a $1 billion lawsuit against YouTube, claiming that the website was perpetuating Copyright Infringement. The judge ruled in YouTube’s favor in 2010, and Viacom filed for an appeal. The suit litigated for a total of 6 years until in 2013, the judge ruled again that YouTube “did not have to police itself”, and that it was Viacom’s responsibility to find infringing videos and alert YouTube to their presence. In March of 2014, Viacom made the decision to cut their losses, reaching an undisclosed settlement in which no money was exchanged with Google, YouTube’s parent company. Since the settlement, the two companies have been in contact about “seizing opportunities”, with the allusion of possible collaborations and close interactions between them.[7][8]

Promotional still for VH1’s TLC Biopic, CrazySexyCool [11]

In April of 2014, Viacom was sued by Perri “Pebbles” Reid, former manager of 90’s R&B group TLC, for claims of defamation. In 2013, the 2-hour biopic “CrazySexyCool”, following the lives and fame of the popular R&B group, premiered on VH1, a channel owned by Viacom Inc. The biopic was reported to have given VH1 its highest ratings in 5 years. The lawsuit calls for $40 million in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a request to ban the movie or associated promotional materials from being publicized. Reid believes that the movie disparaged her reputation both as an entertainer and businesswoman, and that “Viacom abandoned journalistic and literary integrity and ignored fundamental canons of journalistic and literary conduct by publishing false and defamatory accusations with actual malice.” The former manager claims that she was presented as “conniving and dishonest”, as it demonstrated that she deceived her clients and robbed them of their royalty money. Reid claims that she had no control over the group’s lawyer’s or accountants. Viacom has refused to comment. [9][10][11]

In February of 2013, Cablevision filed an antitrust lawsuit against Viacom, alleging illegal channel tying during program negotiations; Cablevision claims that Viacom threatened a “10 figure penalty” if Cablevision did not agree to carry smaller suites in addition to must-have cable programming. Viacom counters that the “10 figure penalty” in question is the difference between standard rates and a negotiation between Viacom and Cablevision as the result of “good-faith negotiations” since the two have worked together in the past. The lawsuit was filed three months after a carriage deal between Cablevision and Viacom. Viacom moved to have the case dismissed, however the judge ruled that there was viable evidence on Cablevision’s behalf to review an antitrust claim. There is no trial date set.[12]

Financial Information

Fiscal 2014 Report:

Revenues: $13.78B

Adjusted Operating Income: $4.13B

Adjusted Net Earnings: $2.38B

Adjusted Diluted EPS: $5.4M

Viacom’s fiscal year came to a close on September 30^th, 2014. The company demonstrated an impressive fiscal year. While Viacom’s total revenue showed a negligible change in comparison to the previous year, other factors were notable. Both the company’s Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share reached all time highs, rising 5% and 15% respectively. The company’s Adjusted Net Earnings also increased by 3.8% from the previous year.[13]

Sources:

1 Yahoo! Finance: Viacom Financial Profile Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

²Viacom Website: About Viacom Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

3 Viacom Timeline: History of Viacom Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

4 LA Times: Viacom Signs 12-Year Lease at Columbia Square in Hollywood Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

5 LA Times: Hulu Extends Streaming Deal With Viacom, Expands Library Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

6 Viacom News: Viacom Closes Acquisition of Channel 5 Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

7 Bloomberg BusinessWeek Technology: Viacom Gives Up On Its YouTube Copyright Lawsuit Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

8 Bloomberg BusinessWeek: Viacom and Google Settle YouTube Lawsuit Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

9 Bloomberg BusinessWeek: Former TLC manager sues Viacom For Defamation Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

10 The Root: Pebbles Files $40,000,000 Lawsuit Against Viacom Over TLC Biopic Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

11 Eurweb: TLC Biopic Gives VH1 Its Highest Ratings in 5 Years Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

12 The Hollywood Reporter: Viacom Can’t Escape Cablevision’s Antitrust Lawsuit Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

13 4^th Quarter ’14 Earnings Press Release: Viacom Reports Record Profit For Fiscal 2014 Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

Photo Sources:

i Stop the Cap: Viacom Demands 100% Rate Increases Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

ii Deadline.com: Channel 5 Sale Speculations Date Acquired: December 1^st, 2014

Univision

Posted on October 5, 2014 by veortiz

by Veronica Ortiz

[1] Univision Logo

ABOUT UNIVISION

Univision, owned by Univision Communications Inc. (UCI), is the largest Spanish language broadcast television network in the country, catering almost exclusively to Hispanic audiences living in the United States and Puerto Rico. It boasts a reach of 97% of Hispanic households in America, being carried by more than 1,400 broadcast and cable affiliates. [2] [3] Supported by UCI, Univision’s Hispanic market research is unparalleled to any other network and, with an ever growing Hispanic community in the US, Univision expects an exponential growth for all of its properties. [4]

KEY EXECUTIVES

Randy Falco, President and CEO [5]

Alberto Ciurana, President, Programming and Content, Univision Communications Inc. [6]

FINANCES

As of October 2014, Univision Communications holds a revenue of $2.63 billion. Its third-quarter financials have seen an improvement from last year’s, mostly due to the World Cup adding $54.1 million in net advertising revenue. A year ago, Univision faced a loss of $15.9 million, but this year the earnings rose to $42.8 million. TV and digital properties lead the 5.2% increase to $728.9 million. Univision Communication’s TV unit increased 5.7% to $613.9 million in this third quarter. In conclusion, it has been a strong year for Univision overall, helped heftily by the World Cup and retransmission fees, but weighed down by a slightly down core advertising revenue and radio revenue. [7] [8]

POPULAR FRANCHISES AND PROGRAMMING

The great majority of Univision’s programming consists of telenovelas produced by Mexican mass media company Televisa. Sitcoms have a weaker presence in Univision’s programming, but it still produces a moderate amount of original programming.

NUESTRA BELLEZA LATINA

Nuestra Belleza Latina Logo [10]

Nuestra Belleza Latina is a beauty show and reality contest where twelve women compete for a one year talent contract with Univision and for cash prizes. The show offers impressive ratings, and this year it made social media headlines by becoming the first show in English or Spanish to top the weekly buzz rankings on Facebook. [9]

THE LATIN GRAMMY

Latin Grammy Awards [11]

The Latin Grammy Awards is an annual awards show where the Latin Recording Academy recognizes outstanding Latin musical artists from around the world. The awards are broadcast in the U.S. by Univision. [11] The 15th Annual Latin Grammy Awards reached viewership of nearly ten million, with exemplary audience growth among the much coveted 18-34 demographic. Univision ranked as the No. 2 broadcast network for the evening of the Latin Grammy Awards, outperforming CBS, FOX and NBC. [12] [24]

SÁBADO GIGANTE

Sabado Gigante [13]

Sábado Gigante, a variety series, is Univision’s longest running program and the world’s longest running variety television show. It has been broadcast every Saturday evening and hosted by Mario Kreutzberger, better known as Don Francisco, since August, 1962. [13] A new three-hour episode is premiered each Saturday at 8pm with no reruns, really. [14] The show is known throughout every Hispanic household and has become a token of Hispanic culture. In 2012, Sabado Gigante celebrated its 50 years of uninterrupted broadcasting. Below is a compilation of clips from Sabado Gigante, put together by Univision to celebrate the show’s 50 years. [15] [16]

NEW CROSS-PLATFORM CONTENT

Even with old, but reliable hits such as Sábado Gigante, Univision still looks to expand to services that will also target millenials. The company recently struck a deal with DirecTV to provide content for their Internet-delivered service targeted towards Hispanic audiences. [17] This year, Univision also launched their own English-language over-the-top service called The Flama. [18] Full episodes for some of Univision’s programming can be found in their portal UVideos. Heavy hitters ratings-wise for this season include:

MI CORAZÓN ES TUYO (MY HEART IS YOURS)

Ana, a dancer, becomes a nanny after meeting a wealthy widower, Fernando, with seven kids. [19]

Mi Corazon Es Tuyo stars Silvia Navarro and Jorge Salinas [19]

The telenovela airs Monday through Friday on the 8pm-9pm time slot with strong ratings. It averaged 3.7 million viewers in the week of November 17-25, 2014, outperforming FOX in each demographic. [20]

HASTA EL FIN DEL MUNDO (UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD)

Sofia takes the helm of her family’s successful chocolate manufacturing business after her father’s death. Even though she is engaged, she falls for her chauffeur, Salvador, who is also a race-car driver. [19]

Hasta El Fin Del Mundo stars Marjorie de Sousa [19]

Hasta El Fin Del Mundo is a Mexican telenovela based on the Argentinian telenovela Dulce amor. In the 9pm-10pm slot, Hasta El Fin Del Mundo had 3.5 million viewers in the November 17-25, 2014 week. [20]

LA MALQUERIDA (THE BAD MISTRESS)

After the death of her husband, Cristina’s hacienda falls into disarray until a handsome man, Esteban, offers to help her. They quickly fall in love, much to the distaste of Cristina’s daughter Acacia, who leaves the hacienda, but returns twelve years later, now a beautiful young woman. The return of Acacia makes Esteban develop a secret passion for her. [19]

La Malquerida stars (left to right) Ariadne Diaz, Christian Meier and Victoria Ruffo. [19]

La Malquerida helped put Univision on No. 3 Monday-Friday on the 10pm-11pm time slot, outperforming CBS for the week of November 17-25, 2014.The telenovela brought 2.4 million viewers adults 18-49. [20]

IN THE NEWS

MASSIVE LAYOFFS FOR UNIVISION EMPLOYEES IN PUERTO RICO

After massive layoffs in Univision Puerto Rico, residents of the island formed a Facebook page calling for the boycott of Univision. Over 30,000 users have joined it. [23]

On Friday October 17, 2014, Univision gutted its news operations on the island of Puerto Rico, scrapping most of the programs produced locally and dealing a huge blow to the already poor state of media and journalism on the island. [21]

Malule González was among those laid off and was replaced by Jaime Bauza. Promoted to senior vice president and general manager, Bauza will oversee Univision Puerto Rico, which includes Univision Canal 11, Tele Isla Canal 7 and the company’s radio properties. The reason why these layoffs happened has not yet been revealed, but some speculate that it is part of a strategy by Univision in the U.S. to make the company more appealing for sale. A positive note to this story has been Univision’s announcement of a request of proposals for new programming produced locally for 2015. [22]

SHORT-FORM TELENOVELAS

Novelas Xpress on UVideos [25]

Novelas Xpress is Univision’s newest online service which will present 17 different abridged versions of popular telenovelas. Nine of these will be available on Hulu, while the rest will be distributed on UVideos.

The reason for this move could be attributed to the Hispanic audience’s propensity to consume content on mobile devices. According to the director of content acquisition at Hulu, Rodrigo Mazon, “The Latino audience on Hulu is approximately 40 percent more likely to consume video on mobile.” [24] In addition to providing content to their audiences in a format they want, they will also benefit heftily from ad revenues. According to Mazon, the popularity of Korean dramas on Hulu might also indicate American audience’s desire to consume non-american content. To this end, Novelas Xpress will also feature English subtitles for some of their telenovelas. [25]

SOURCES

[1] Univision.com – Últimas Noticias, Farándula, Novelas, Fútbol, Radio. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2014.

[2] Forbes.com. Univision Communications. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2014.

[3] Hoovers.com. (n.d.). Univision Communications Inc.Company Information. Retrieved November 30, 2014.

[4] Corporate Univision. (n.d.). Explore Hispanic Marketing Insights and Hispanic Research. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[5] Randy Falco – Univision. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2014.

[6] Alberto Ciurana – Univision. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2014.

[7] Univision Communications Third-Quarter Financials Improve, CEO Talks Streaming – Hollywood Reporter. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[8] Mahler, J. (2014, July 12). Biggest Scorer in World Cup? Maybe Univision (The New York Times) . Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[9] Flomenbaum, A. (2014, March 31). ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina’ Becomes First Show to Top Facebook’s Weekly Buzz Ratings. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[10] Nuestra Belleza Latina. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[11] Latin Grammy. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[12] Kondolojy, A. (2014, November 21). 15th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Reaches Nearly 10 Million Viewers With Double-Digit Growth Among Adults 18-49 and Adults 18-34. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[13] Sabado Gigante. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[14] Longest Running TV Variety Show. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[15] Luzardo, H. (2012, July 7). Don Francisco sobre ‘Sábado Gigante’: ‘No creo en sucesores’ Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[16] Univision News – Sabado Gigante Turns 50! Take a Ride Down Memory Lane. (2012, October 25). Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[17] Grover, R., & Baker, L. (2014, September 11). Exclusive : Univision to provide content for DirecTV online service by year end. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[18] Jarvey, N. (2014, April 17). Univision Launches Over-the-Top Network The Flama – Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[19] Univision Media Kit. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[20] Bibel, S. (2014, November 25). Univision Beat One or More English-Language Network on 92 Percent of Nights Among Adults 18-34 in November Sweeps to Date. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[21] Online Staff. (2014, October 17). Univision Guts PR News Operation – Caribbean Business. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[22] Univision PR. (2014, October 17). Univision Puerto Rico Announces Executive Leadership & Programming Changes – Univision. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[23] Worley-Lopez, F. (2014, October 21). Univision Layoffs Bury the Real Story in Puerto Rico. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[24] Kuchinkas, S. (2014, June 12). Hulu Goes Big for Latino Content. Retrieved December 1, 2014.

[25] Univision PR. (2014, November 20). Univision Launches Novelas Xpress, New Short-Form Telenovela Format – Univision. Retrieved December 1, 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

Scripps Networks Interactive

Posted on October 5, 2014 by orkauffm

by Ryan Kauffman

Scripps Networks Interactive

Photo Courtesy of Logowiki.com [i]

Contact Information [ii]

9721 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932

(865) 694-2700

http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com

About Scripps Networks Interactive:

Scripps Networks dates back all the way to 1878, when Edward Scripps founded the Penny Press in Cleveland. It was established as one of the leading post-war newspapers, which began to run local television stations. Scripps began to establish its large cable network ultimately becoming one of the biggest cable operators in the country, until it sold many of its assets to Comcast.[iii]

A leader in technology innovation, Scripps Network took advantage of investment opportunities and acquired Cintel Productions, and soon afterwards they announced the launch of HGTV. This program was met with such great success, that Scripps continued with more programming, which led to The Food Network (’97), The DIY Network (’99), The Fine Living Network (’02), Great American Country (’04), and The Travel Channel (’09). These six networks and there incredible online counterparts are a large part of what makes Scripps Networks such a powerful, innovative, and internationally recognized company.[iv]

Key Executives

Kenneth Lowe – CEO

Joseph Necastro – CFO

Burton Jablin – President

Photos courtesy of www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com [v]

Financials:

Though net income from operations is down .1% this quarter, we are up 3.2% from the beginning of the year at $ 548,759,000, and while this quarter has taken a slight dip, stocks are up in value, and revenue should increase as a result of recent expansion into foreign markets. With an extremely high operating revenue of $1,362,878,000, Scripps can afford to venture into other markets and stay at the forefront of media technology. [vi]

What’s Happening Now

HGTV Singapore Set to launch on December 4th is the Singapore division of HGTV. With one of the highest percentages of home owners, Singapore will provide an interesting new market for SNI, as it will be the first channel in Asia that has a strictly home and lifestyle focus. This partnership with Starhub TV has already created quite a lot of buzz among Singaporeans, who have been able to share “Home Moments” on Facebook, which started back in October. [vii]

Photo courtesy of www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com[viii]

HGTV will launch with a strong line-up including Property Brothers, Kitchen Cousins, and The High Low Project; however, SNI will holdfast to its commitment of providing locally specialized content as well. Network Executives have noticed a trend in the market of an increased interest in high quality lifestyle content, and Asia is a fantastic market to break into before spreading even further globally.[ix]

Photo courtesy of jumatv.com [x]

Amish RENOgade Scripps Network has been very busy recently, premiering several new shows this fall season and three just this month alone, including Amish RENOgades, starring several memorable characters from the show Vanilla Ice Goes Amish. These members of the Amish community will set out across the county to remodel homes as they go, learning to tackle life outside the Amish community.[xi] The show aired a little over a week ago, and as boston.com says, “it is magic”. The show seamlessly blends lovable character in unfamiliar situations with traditional DIY network content. Watching Amish craftsmen Albert Miller and Robert Schlabach traverse across the country renovating homes, while navigating drive-thrus and social media, all while on camera, provide a truly unique experience.[xii] While only several episodes have aired so far, comments are very positive about the show thus far.[xiii]

Photo courtesy of hgtv.com [xiv]

Property Brothers at Home Also airing within the past week is a spin off of HGTV’s record breaking show, The Property Brothers, which features brothers Drew and Jonathon Scott flipping homes across the country. These siblings knocked it out of the park with their hit show, with over 19 million people tuning in last season, which made it a cable powerhouse. Scripps Network tries to reach a wide array of demographics which can sometimes be difficult. Not surprisingly, The Property Brothers audience is made up 70% by women between 25 and 54. [xv] This is one of many reasons, that their show is so successful, and crucial to SNI. That is why this season, SNI is premiering “Property Brothers at Home”, which will feature Drew and Johnathon Scott renovating their Las Vegas home. This wil be the fourth show headed by the Scott Brother’s, which is why “The Property Brothers at Home” will be so successful. The viewers want a more in depth look into HGTV’s favorite duo, and now it’s here. [xvi]

Other News

Photo courtesy of engadget.com [xviii]

Playstation Vue Sony has announced the Playstation Vue, which will allow players to access around 75 channels on their Playstation 4. Sony describes it as a “web-based television service allows users to access live TV and on-demand content without a cable or satellite service”. SNI has partnered with this program, which will get the brand in front of a younger and wider demographic, and keep the company at the forefront of technology.[xvii]

Photo courtesy of www.thevideoink.com [xix]

Ulive Scripps Networks launched Ulive several years ago as an online video platform, which contains lifestyle content that accents it’s channels. It has increased in popularity over the years, with some sources saying it reaches over 500,000 new viewers per month. Recently however Jeff Meyer and Lisa Owens, the two faces of Ulive have recently left the company. Though the circumstances are unclear, it is confirmed that they will no longer be working on the project. Tamara Franklin, Executive Vice President of Digital will now be heading the site. This change up will be monitored closely over the coming months. [xx]

Coming Soon

Photo courtesy of reedrummond.com [xxii]

The Pioneer Woman In the midst of the Holiday Season, many of the lifestyle networks viewership is greatly increased, and Scripps Network is going taking advantage of this opportunity with several Holiday specials premiering soon. A series of Food Network Stars will have Holiday specials, one of them being “The Pioneer Woman: Cowboy Christmas Special” hosted by
Ree Drummond, who will give viewers an inside look into her life on the ranch at home. Ree has millions of fans, which hopefully will lead to a very successful premiere.[xxi]

Photo Courtesy of hgtv.com [xxv]

Other specials incluse “Outrageous Christmas”, “Holiday Feast with Kelis”, and “Rev Run’s Happy Holidays” all of which will premiere throughout the month of December.[xxiii] While these celebrities are causing a lot of hype for Scripps this Holiday Season, the most buzz is surrounding “White House Christmas”, a special which is set to air on December 14th. The hostess, Genevieve Gorder will give viewers an inside look on how the most famous house in America gets ready for Christmas.[xxiv]

[i] Scripps Networks Interactive Logo. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [ii] Scripps Networks Interactive Contact Information. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [iii] SNI Founding. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [iv] SNI History (Part 2). Retrieved 28 November 2014 [v] SNI Executives. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [vi] SNI Financials. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [vii] HGTV Singapore (Part 1). Retrieved 28 November 2014 [viii] SNI in Singapore Photo.Retrieved 28 November 2014 [ix] HGTV Singapore (Part 2). Retrieved 28 November 2014 [x] Amish RENOgades Photo. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [xi] Amish RENOgades Overview. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [xii] Amish RENOgades Details. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [xiii] Amish RENOgades Comments. Retrieved 28 November 2014 [xiv] Property Brother at Home Photo. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xv] Property Brothers Stats. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xvi] Property Brothers at Home. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xvii] Playstation Vue Overview. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xviii] Playstation Vue Photo. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xix] Ulive Photo. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xx] Ulive Overview. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xxi] Pioneer Woman: Cowboy Christmas Special. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xxii] Ree Drummond Photo. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xxiii] Other Holiday Specials. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xxiv] White House Christmas. Retrieved 29 November 2014 [xxv] White House Christmas Photo. Retrieved 29 November 2014

21st Century Fox

Gallery

Posted on October 5, 2014 by lortegat

This gallery contains 12 photos.

by Erika Zoffer HISTORY 21st Century Fox is one of the two companies that were created by the split of News Corporation, a multimedia company founded by media mogul, Rupert Murdock, in 1979. Last year, the company finalized the separation … Continue reading →

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

Posted on October 5, 2014 by jlmend02

by Jessica Mendelson

Image courtesy of Deadline

HISTORY

Founded in 2004 Disney/ABC Television Group is a large division of The Walt Disney Company that is in charge of, “global entertainment and news television properties, owned television stations group and a radio business [1].” The Group is currently run by Disney Media Networks President Anne Sweeney [3] but by the end of this year she will be succeeded by Ben Sherwood [6].

Anne Sweeney – Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company

Ben Sherwood – Photo courtesy of Disney ABC TV

FINANCIALS

DIS Stock Price 2014 – Image courtesy of Etrade

The Group is a division of the much larger Walt Disney Company, which is a publicly traded New York Stock Exchange Company labeled as DIS. Their market cap, how much the company is worth, is $156.87 billion. Their most current stock price is $92.51. They pay annual dividends, and at the end of their fiscal year on September 27, 2014 their net income was $7.5 billion. The companies Media Networks (which Disney/ABC TV Group falls under) consist of 45% of their revenue. The Network’s 4th quarter net income increased 5% to 5.2 billion, after a $10 million loss in cable and a $5 million gain in broadcast. [27] [28]

THE BUSINESS

The Group is divided into 6 different businesses that run ABC and Disney Television, production and distribution, and radio development. These include: ABC Entertainment Group (which is a joint business of ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios), ABC Family, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations Group, Disney/ABC Television Group Digital Media, and Disney/ABC Domestic Television [7].

The biggest part of the Group’s fall primetime season is 6 new shows created by the ABC Entertainment Group. The shows are; “Forever,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “‘black-ish,” “Cristela,” “Manhattan Love Story,” and “Selfie.” In the past this division has produced shows such as: “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Modern Family,” “Scandal, and “Dancing with the Stars [4].”

Image courtesy of abcmedianet.com

FALL SEASON

In the Nielsen November Sweeps period ABC had the most impressive numbers across the board for non-sports programming for adults 18-49. ABC’s press release on November 25, 2014 [5] showed that ABC beat out CBS by 31%, NBC by 31% and Fox by 61% in terms of overall viewers.

Up 1% in Viewership (Adults 18-49) from last November – which is equal to 100,000 more sets of eyeballs.
Number one for 4 of 7 nights in any week in November – this also includes the top spot for every Thursday thanks to their 8:00-10:00 lineup.
Highest Rated TV Series – out of the Top 15 series for the sweeps ABC boasts 6 of them. They also have the two top dramas which are tied for number 1, “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder.”
ABC is number one in 10pm hour for second year – this year (2014) and last year (2013), for Monday-Friday, ABC is top for this hour, which is an important lead-in to local news at affiliate stations. [5]

SHOW BREAKDOWN

Successes

1. How to Get Away with Murder

Image courtesy of Google Play

From executive producer Shonda Rhimes this drama follows law Professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) as she involves herself with four of her students [10].

Latest Thursday rating was 3.1 and viewers were 9.82 million in adults 18-49 [18].
Part of the, “Shondaland” Thursday lineup in the 1 hour 10:00pm spot [19].
In ratings and total viewers the show was up 7% in it’s last week [20].
The show is currently on a holiday break until 1/29/15 [10].

Thursday has been a HUGE night for ABC this fall. “Grey’s Anatomy” is 8-9, “Scandal” is 9-10 and then the newcomer “HTGAWM” follows that at 10. Each show shares executive producer Shonda Rhimes. For all of November sweeps ABC won Thursday Nights for the 4 consecutive weeks of the period.

2. Forever

Image courtesy CinemaBlend

Dr. Henry Morgan (Ioan Gruffud) is the top medical examiner in NYC, the secret behind his success? He examines the dead to try to find an answer to his own immortality [11].

1.0 rating in adults 18-49 which is up from the previous weeks 0.9 [21].
Tuesday 10:00 1-hour time slot.

3. ‘black-ish

Image courtesy jezebel.com

In this comedy Andre ‘Dre’ Johnson (Anthony Anderson) wonders if his quintessential life in the suburbs with his wife, daughter and son have, “brought too much assimilation for [his] black family [12].”

2.6 rating and 7.82 million viewers in adults 18-49 [22].
Wednesday 9:30 half-hour time slot.

“‘black-ish” has an excellent lead in with “Modern Family” being in the half-hour slot before it. “Modern Family” has around 10 million viewers, so that’s helping boost numbers for “‘black-ish.”

4. Cristela

Image courtesy of subscene.com

Cristela (Cristela Alonzo) is in her sixth and final year of law school but her traditional Mexican-American family is having trouble understanding her pursuit of this career. Cristela tries to balance old traditions with the modern world that she is working and living in [13].

1.0 rating and 5.19 million viewers in adults 18-49 [23].
Fridays at 8:30, half-hour time slot.

The full season has been ordered for the show, meaning 9 new episodes are on its way for the freshman comedy [24].

Flops

1. Selfie

Image courtesy of kenlevine.blogspot.com

Image courtesy of ABC Network

Eliza Dooley (Karen Gillan) has tons of social media ‘friends’ but seems to be missing some actual friends. She asks the help of a marketing guru played by John Cho in order to ‘rebrand’ herself to make real-life connections [15].

The show order was for 13 shows, but it was canceled after 6 airings [9].
It’s been rumored by the shows executive producer, Emily Kapnek, that the entire series, including the 7 un-aired shows, will be released on Hulu [8].
Its last rating was 1.5, 4.7 million viewers in adults 18-49 [9].

2. Manhattan Love Story

Image courtesy of ABC Network

This comedy exposes the differences in thought between men and women as they begin dating. This leads to opposing thoughts, and differing actions between new couple Dana (Analeigh Tipton) and Peter (Jake McDorman) [14].

After 4 episodes aired the show was pulled [16].
Premiered with a 1.3, 4.3 million viewers in adults 18-49

“Selfie” and “Love Story” were back-to-back half hour-comedies that filled up the 9:00 hour on Tuesdays. It was a tough lead-in for ABC’s drama “Forever” at 10:00 [17]. However, “Forever” hung-on for a full season where as the comedies got the axe.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

ABC has 3 new dramas, “American Crime,” “Marvel’s Agent Carter,” “Secrets and Lies,” and a comedy, “Galavant,” slated to premiere in early 2015. There’s also the drama “The Whispers” and the comedy “Fresh Off the Boat” which have yet to be slated [2].

Image courtesy of Hollywood Reporter

Under the ABC Owned Station Groups, Disney/ABC is launching a new syndicated talk show with host Tyra Banks. The title as of now is, “The F-A-B,” which stands for Fun and Beautiful. It will include a panel of lifestyle gurus who will answer questions and talk to celebrities about what’s going on in social media, food, fashion and more [25].

ABC and producer Mark Gordon are writing a comedy with, and starring Iliza Schlesinger, called “Forever 31.” The hope is to make Schlesinger the top female in primetime comedy. The show depicts the struggles of her and her friends trying to become adults and the comedic trials of their everyday lives [26].

Sources

[1] Disney/ABC Television Group Homepage, disneyabctv.com, RT: 11/25/14

[2] ABC Unveils 2014-15 Primetime Lineup, 5/12/14, abcmedianet.com, RT: 11/25/14

[3] Disney/ABC Television Group Executives, disneyabctv.com, RT: 11/25/14

[4] Disney/ABC Entertainment Group Overview, disneyabctv.com, RT: 11/25/14

[5] ABC November 2014 Sweeps Press Release, 11/25/14, abcmedianet.com, RT: 11/29/14

[6] Ben Sherwood to Succeed Anne Sweeney, 3/24/14, abcmedianet.com, RT: 11/29/14

[7] The Walt Disney Company Media Networks, thewaltdisneycompany.com, RT: 11/29/14

[8] ‘Selfie’ Unaired ABC Episodes Head to Hulu, 11/24/14, Variety, RT: 11/29/14

[9] ABC Cancels ‘Selfie’, 11/7/14, Variety, RT: 11/29/14

[10] How to Get Away with Murder, abc.go.com, RT: 11/29/14

[11] Forever, abc.go.com, RT: 11/29/14

[12] black-ish, abc.go.com, RT: 11/29/14

[13] Cristela, abc.go.com, RT: 11/29/14

[14] Manhattan Love Story, abc.go.com, RT: 11/29/14

[15] Selfie, abc.go.com, RT: 11/29/14

[16] ABC Cancels ‘Manhattan Love Story,’ 10/24/14, Variety, RT: 11/29/14

[17] ABC Tuesday Comedies Premiere Low, 10/1/14, Variety, RT: 11/29/14

[18] ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ Goes Out On a High as ABC Dominates Thursday, 11/21/14, Variety, RT: 11/29/14

[19] ABC Wins Third Straight Thursday as ‘Scandal’ Hits A 6-Week High & ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ a Three-Week High, 11/14/14, tvbythenumbers.com, RT: 11/29/14

[20] ABC Hits a Season High in Adults 18-49 and Claims 7 of the Top 20 TV Shows the Week of November 17, 2014, 11/25/14, tvbythenumbers.com, RT: 11/29/14

[21] TV Ratings Tuesday, 11/19/14, tvbythenumbers.com, RT: 11/29/14

[22] Wednesday Final Ratings, 11/20/14, tvbythenumbers.com, RT: 11/29/14

[23] Friday Final Ratings, 11/24/14, tvbythenumbers.com, RT: 11/29/14

[24] ABC Gives ‘Cristela’ Full-Season Pickup, 11/24/14, Variety, RT: 11/29/14

[25] Syndicated Daytime Talker, ‘The F-A-B,’ 10/20/14, thefutoncritic.com, RT: 11/25/14

[26] Iliza Shlesinger To Topline ABC Comedy, 11/20/14, Deadline, RT: 11/25/14

[27] The Walt Disney Company Quarter Four and Fiscal Year 2014 Reports, 11/6/14, thewaltdisneycompany.com, RT: 11/29/14

[28] Disney Stock Information, thewaltdisneycompany.com, RT: 11/29/14

Discovery Communications

Posted on October 5, 2014 by bngermai

by Brendan Germain

Discovery Logo [1]

One Discovery Place Silver Spring, MD 20910 — 240.662.2000

“Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content on worldwide television networks…” [2]

COMPANY PROFILE

As the number one pay-TV programmer and non-fiction media company, Discovery Communications paves the way for cross platform content appealing to 2.7 billion subscribers across 150 cable networks in over 220 countries. Discovery’s commitment to innovation and segmenting audiences has earned it its place as a leader in targeted media programming headed by Discovery Channel, operating also the Animal Planet, Hub Network and a joint venture with the OWN network among others. The company’s online and media services work in conjunction with its cable programming and have made Discovery a true multi-media, synergistic company.

KEY EXECUTIVES

David Zaslav- President and CEO [4]

Andrew Warren-Senior Executive VP and CFO [5]

Marjorie Kaplan- Group President Discovery Channel [6]

HISTORY

John Hendricks, a West Virginia bred, University of Alabama grad, founded the Cable Educational Network in Maryland back in 1982. Discovery Communications would soon grow from the launch of the Discovery Channel in1985. By 1988 the cable programmer had amassed over 32 million subscribers and by 1991, after acquiring The Learning

Discovery Logo-1988 [9]

Channel (TLC) and launching Discovery in Europe, the company changed its name to Discovery Communications. Over the next 10 years, the company would see considerable international growth in Asian, African and Middle Eastern markets and soon launched a $10 million news site distributing original news content on its Discovery homepage [7]. In 2004 Hendricks stepped down as CEO passing it off to current position holder David Zaslav and this past May, Hendricks retired as Chairman, leaving the company he had built over the past 35 years with a drive towards the environment, education and technological advances. [8]

FINANCES

This past quarter, coming in early November, saw a 14% increase for Discovery Communications (DISCA) on the NASDAQ year-over-year (YOY), with revenue at $1.57 billion [10].

DISCA’s Yearly Stock Price as of December 1, 2014 CLICK TO VIEW CURRENT CHART [12]

The publicly traded conglomerate has been on a rise in stock price, ending around $34 dollars recently with around 148 million shares outstanding. Since 2010, DISCA has been on a mass buyback movement to repurchase in excess of 25% of its stocks to consolidate its outstanding shares, giving the company more control over its numerous domestic and international platforms [11]. The company is segmented into three areas of revenue–Domestic, International, and Education, the first two being programming and education being products and services. Revenue for the domestic programming has seen minimal drops of 1% YOY as advertising budgets for the company have raised 3%, while the international segment as seen rises as high as 34% in revenue, in direct relation with Discovery’s acquisition of Eurosport [13]. Discovery is projected to reach a total revenue between $6.3 billion and $6.35 billion for this 2014 fiscal year.

ACQUISITION OF EUROSPORT

Staking its claim as the #1 Pay-TV programmer for educational, niche content across its over 200 networks domestically and internationally, Discovery has taken a turn towards broadcast and sports media sphere with its spring

Eurosport Logo [15]

acquisition of Eurosport. Eurosport, the premier sports media group in Europe, is valued at $1.2 billion and reaches over 133 million homes. TF1, the French media conglomerate had previously owned 80% of the company before Discovery pushed to expedite the deal which had been set for 2015, though TF1 will holds its stake in the sports media group until the end of the year. [14].

[Click here to view Eurosport’s promo stinger]

Discovery acquired 51% of the company, with TF1 being the only other owner holding the remaining 49%. DISCA is looking to capitalize on the fragmented nature of the sports broadcast industry over in Europe, a step in a different direction from their pay-TV and cable roots, in hopes of building up Eurosport to the status of Europe’s version of ESPN [16].

"Eurosport is a perfect strategic fit for growing market share, strengthening relationships with advertisers and affiliates, and bringing ‘must have’ content to passionate viewers across the globe...” [17] 
      -Discovery CEO David Zaslav-

There are talks already about the possibility of Discovery buying out TF1, giving DISCA full ownership of Eurosport, in turn adding six new pay-TV brands to Discovery’s arsenal.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL

The network that started it all, Discovery Channel (formerly The Discovery Channel), excels at non-fiction programming reaching over 100 million homes in the U.S. and over three times that amount internationally. Launched in 1985, Discovery Channel produces science, nature, adventure and history geared television, among other genres, and has revved up its live-streamed programming over the past few years [18]. In June 2013, Discovery aired a live program special with adventure enthusiast Nik Wallenda traversing the Grand Canyon on a tightrope [19]. The record breaking broadcast event amassed over 13 million viewers, Discovery’s highest-rated live event, with an additional 1.3 million trending Tweets about the stunt, awarding DISCA an Interactive Emmy for Multi-platform storytelling. Discovery Channel followed Wallenda again earlier this month in his tightrope walk between two Chicago skyscrapers at a 15-degree angle, aptly titled SKYSCRAPER LIVE WITH NIK WALLENDA.

Play to view highlights of Nik Wallenda's SKYSCRAPER LIVE walk [21]

Though not drawing the magnitude of coverage as his Grand Canyon walk, this live event in addition to others showcase Discovery’s risky intent to air content to attract an audience, stunts so daring that someone could die [20]. Understanding this, Wallenda carried a $20 million public liability insurance claim, should anything catastrophic have happened. The tightrope walk was a success and coming this May, Discovery Channel intends to air live footage of expert climber Joby Ogwyn’s Mount

SURVIVAL LIVE Logo [24]

Everest jump in a winged suit, titled EVEREST JUMP LIVE, hooking up eight cameras to his suit to get full 360 degree coverage [22]. In addition, the network is continuing on its multi-platform successes with a new, interactive program called SURVIVAL LIVE, a 42-day survivalist event pitting 8 strangers against each other in the remote wilderness [23].The cross-platform media gives viewers the ability to track survivalists biometric, medical statistics during the 24 hour live-streamed event as well as the option to donate needed supplies or help online. Moving to attract a growing, interactive audience, Discovery is prompting new growth in cross-media programming and their push for high adrenaline, live-streamed events sets them apart from other cable networks.

DISCOVERY FAMILY CHANNEL

Since being renamed this past October, Discovery Family, formerly The Hub Network, DISCA’s children geared daytime programming network, has broadened its program offerings in a strengthened partnership between Discovery Communications and Hasbro,

Hasbro, Inc. Logo [25]

Inc. The Hasbro Studios have published upfronts intending to move into primetime television timeslots [26]. With Discovery owning 60% in this joint venture, Discovery Family is projected to have over 70 million U.S. homes tuning in to programs and the two look to move into nightly family targeted programming. The two corporations will both capitalize on producing branded content, marketable to advertisers, and accessible for both children and families [27].

UP AND COMING

Discovery has recently paired up with Sony Entertainment Network to bring channels from DISCA to Play Station Vue, Sony’s cloud-based, internet television service [28]. Sony’s subsidary, Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI), will offer the subscription based service to current users of a PS3 or PS4 come early 2015, totally over 35 million users. The deal will bring Discovery’s 13 U.S. networks to users, in addition to next-gen services like Discovery Digitial Networks [29].

Theorized PlayStation Vue Screen [30]

This is new territory for Discovery, a cloud streaming service, and whether or not users will be willing to pay for the subscription fees is up for debate. Prices per month have yet to be set, though the service brings DISCA’s historically cable programming to an internet based provider follows the path Discovery Communications is walking in becoming a more cross-media driven media group and high-level television programmer.

SOURCES

[1]Discovery Logo corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/18/14

[2] Corporate Mission corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/18/14

[3] Company Profile Information biz.yahoo.com RT:11/18/14

[4] David Zaslav Image corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/18/14

[5] Andrew Warren Image corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/18/14

[6] Marjorie Kaplan Image corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/18/14

[7] Discovery History referenceforbusiness.com RT: 11/18/14

[8] Hendricks Leaves Discovery variety.com RT: 11/18/14

[9] Discovery Logo 1988 logos.wikia.com RT: 11/24/14

[10] DISCA Annual Finances finance.yahoo.com RT: 11/24/14

[11] DISCA Quarterly Report corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/24/14

[12] DISCA Yearly Stock Chart finance.yahoo.com RT: 11/27/14

[13] Discovery Segments/Projections zacks.com RT: 12/1/14

[14] Discovery Acquires Eurosport nytimes.com RT: 11/28/14

[15] Eurosport Logo eurosport.com RT: 11/28/14

[16] Discovery Moves to Broadcast corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/28/14

[17] David Zaslav Quote corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/29/14

[18] Discovery Channel Profile corporate.discovery.com RT:11/29/14

[19] Discovery Live Streams press.discovery.com RT: 11/29/14

[20] Risk of Live Events nytimes.com RT: 11/29/14

[21] SKYSCRAPER LIVE Highlights Footage youtube.com RT: 11/29/14

[22] Everest Jump Live deadline.com RT: 11/29/14

[23] SURVIVAL LIVE press.discovery.com RT: 11/29/14

[24] SURVIVAL LIVE Logo adage.com RT: 11/29/14

[25] Hasbro, Inc Logo hasbro.com RT: 11/30/14

[26] Hasbro, Inc Partnership investor.hasbro.com RT: 11/30/14

[27] Discovery Family Deal corporate.discovery.com RT: 11/30/14

[28] PlayStation Vue Contract polygon.com RT: 12/1/14

[29] Discovery/Vue Offerings corporate.discovery.com RT:12/1/14

[30] PlayStation Vue Screen polygon.com RT: 12/1/14

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