Lionsgate Entertainment

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Taylor Kowalski

Taylor Kowalski

Courtesy of Lionsgate Entertainment [1]

Company Contact Information

Los Angeles Address:

Lionsgate Corporate

2700 Colorado Ave.

Santa Monica, CA 90404

(310)-449-9200

[1]

Executives

Jon Feltheimer, CEO since March 2000.

Michael Burns, Vice Chairman since March 2000.

Steve Beeks, President since February 2004

Joe Drake, Preisdent of the Motion Picture Group since August 2007

Jim Keegan, Chief Financial Officer since April 2002

[1]

Company Overview

Lionsgate Entertainment Corporation is a leading multimedia entertainment company that maintains a presence in film and television production and distribution, home and family entertainment, digital distribution, as well as international distribution and new channel platforms. Committed to low overhead, entrepreneurial business models, cost discipline, and niche focus, Lionsgate has recently seen the success of their 12-year growth strategy, which led to Lionsgate becoming a major name in the world marketplace. [6]

Lionsgate Film’s list of successful films includes The Hunger Games, The Saw Saga, and a long list of Tyler Perry’s films. In addition, Lionsgate Television’s current programming includes successes such as FX’s Anger Management, AMC’s Mad Men, ABC’s Nashville, and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie.

Other Lionsgate holdings and subsidiaries include Lionsgate Music and Publishing, Tigergate, Mandate Pictures, Maple Pictures, Kix, Epix, Thrill, TVGuide.com, FEARnet.com, Debmar-Mercury, Elevation Sales, and Break.com.

Brief History

Lionsgate Entertainment Corporation was founded by Frank Giustra in 1997 in Vancouver, British Columbia. A majority of the funding for its founding was put forth by Yorktown Securities, a bank with stake in Frank Giustra’s mining assets. [2]

To further itself in the industry, Lionsgate acquired other small production houses, purchasing Cinepix Film Properties, which was then dubbed Lionsgate Films, as well as North Shore Studios, then renamed to be Lionsgate Studios. After more purchases, the Lionsgate Media subsidiary was founded to produce content for television. [2]

After Feltheimer became CEO, Lionsgate Entertainment acquired Trimark Pictures for approximately $50 million in June of 2000. Lionsgate also purchased Artisan Entertainment in 2003. They went on to purchase Rebus Film Distribution of the United Kingdom in October 2005, which became Lionsgate UK on February 23^rd, 2006. Also in 2006, Lionsgate sold Lionsgate Studios to Bosa Development Corporation. In June of 2007, Lionsgate Music and Publishing was founded. [2]

In 2009, Lionsgate acquired the TV Guide Network. [3]

In January of 2012, Lionsgate acquired Summit Entertainment, the producers of The Twilight Saga, which helped Lionsgate cross the $1 billion dollar threshold for the first time. This success is also attributed to the release of The Hunger Games. [1]

Courtesy of The Hunger Games [16]

Competitors

DreamWorks Studios

Imagine Entertainment

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Incorporated

[18]

Finances

As the fiscal year ended March 31^st, 2013, the annual financial reports for Lionsgate have not been released yet.

Their first-quarter financial report for 2013 reported revenue of $471.8 million, with a price of $.33 per share with the first quarter of fiscal 2013 ending June 30, 2012. [4]

The second-quarter earnings release reports revenue of $707.0 million with a price of $.56 per share with the second quarter of fiscal 2013 ending September 30, 2012. [4]

The third-quarter earnings release reports revenue of $743.6 million with a price of $.28 per share with the third quarter of fiscal 2013 ending December 31, 2012. [4]

View Available Financial Reports

Courtesy of Yahoo Finance [5]

At the closing of April 5^th, Lionsgate’s stock had gone up .74 of a point, a 3.29% increase.

With blockbuster films such as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire being released in 2013, Lionsgate is likely to have a comparable year to that of 2012, during which the release of franchised movies, including The Twilight Saga and The Hunger Games, led to more than $2.5 billion being made at the worldwide box office in 2012. [6]

Recent News

Courtesy of IMDB [14]

January 22, 2013– Lionsgate’s comic-based film DREDD achieved a DVD and Blu-Ray release that made it the best-selling new release title of the year. DREDD also became the top film download of the week, beating out all other films in digital sales as well. This feat adds to Lionsgate’s list of films that have made up for a lacking box office performance through DVD and Blu-Ray sales, helping Lionsgate be the industry leader in DVD-to-box office conversion. [7]

Official DREDD Trailer

February 12 and 13, 2013– Media Investor Gordon Crawford joined Lionsgate’s board of directors, increasing the size of the board to 13 members. In addition, Wayne Levin signed a long-term agreement to act as Lionsgate’s General Counsel and Chief Strategic Officer. [8] [9]

March 5, 2013– Andrew Kramer was named Chief Operating Officer of International Distribution. [10]

BD-2-wallpapers-breaking-dawn-part-2-32962100-1680-1050

Courtesy of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 [15]

March 5, 2013– Lionsgate reported that Summit Entertainment’s The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 sold 3.85 million DVD’s and Blu-Rays in its first weekend of release. This news is more significant due to the fact that 27% of the sales were Blu-Ray copies, up from the 22% seen for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, which further indicates the growing acceptance of the Blu-Ray format. Similarly, 20% more transactions were electronic, such as Video On Demand, for this film. [11]

Official Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 Trailer

March 21^,2013– Lionsgate and the new digital entertainment service M-GO announced that they are partnering to bring Lionsgate’s library of films and television programs, such as The Hunger Games, Twilight, Madea, and Mad Men, to the digital service for customers to purchase or rent. [12]

Courtesy of TV Guide [15]

March 26, 2013– CBS Corporation and Lionsgate officially partner in a 50/50 ownership of the TV Guide Network as well as TVGuide.com, a cable channel that reaches 80 million households. [3]

Future

Though Lionsgate may not have as profitable of a fiscal year in 2013 and 2014 due to The Twilight Saga wrapping up and no longer overlapping The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as well as the rest of the trilogy are sure to be box office successes for Lionsgate.

Other upcoming films for Lionsgate include The Big Wedding, We the Peeples, You’re Next, I, Frankenstein, and Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas. Lionsgate is also planning to add to the Texas Chainsaw 3D franchise. [13]

Official We The Peeples Trailer

Official You’re Next Trailer

Official Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas Trailer

In addition, Summit Entertainment’s upcoming 2013 slate includes Now You See Me, Red 2, The Tomb, and Ender’s Game.

Sources

1. Lionsgate Official Website http://www.lionsgate.com

2. Lionsgate History http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/lions-gate-entertainment-corporation-history/

3. Lionsgate and CBS for TV Guide Network http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lionsgate-eyes-sale-tv-guide-282649

4. Lionsgate Quarterly Earnings http://investors.lionsgate.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62796&p=quarterlyEarnings

5. Yahoo Finance Report http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=LGF

6. Lionsgate Company Overview http://investors.lionsgate.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62796&p=irol-homeprofile

7. DREDD Press Release http://investors.lionsgate.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62796&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1776610&highlight=

8. Gordon Crawford Press Release http://investors.lionsgate.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62796&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1784145&highlight=

9. Wayne Levin Press Release http://investors.lionsgate.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62796&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1784588&highlight=

10. Andrew Kramer Press Release http://investors.lionsgate.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62796&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1792410&highlight=

11. Twilight Press Release http://investors.lionsgate.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62796&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1792214&highlight=

12. M-GO Press Release http://investors.lionsgate.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62796&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1798829&highlight=

13. Lionsgate Films http://www.lionsgate.com/?section=film

14. DREDD on IMDb http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343727/

15. Breaking Dawn – Part 2 Photo Page http://www.breakingdawn-themovie.com

16. The Hunger Games Official Website http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/index.html

17. TV Guide Network http://www.tvguide.com

18. Yahoo Finance, Lionsgate Competitors http://finance.yahoo.com/q/co?s=LGF+Competitors

Comcast/NBCUniversal

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Zachary Eisen

by Zach Eisen

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10112

212.664.4444

www.nbcuni.com

About the Company [1]:

A snapshot of what NBCU owns

NBCUniversal is a major media company owned by the Comcast Corporation. With headquarters in world-famous Rockefeller Center, NBCU owns and operates a variety of media outlets across many different platforms, including broadcast and cable television, film, and digital media. NBCU’s content is distributed around the world.

Television

NBCUniversal has a variety of holdings in both broadcast and cable television. It owns the NBC broadcast network and the Telemundo network, airing popular programs such as NBC Nightly News, Today, Saturday Night Live, and The Office. NBC also owns and operates TV stations in some of the largest markets in the country, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. NBCU’s cable holdings include the NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, CNBC, USA, E!, Bravo, and The Weather Channel. NBC also owns the broadcast rights to the Olympics, NHL and NFL games, and many other major sporting events.

Film

NBCU owns Universal Pictures, one of the Big Six major film companies. Universal is famous for movies such as E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Jaws, and the Bourne series [2]. The company also owns Focus Features, which is Universal’s art, foreign, and independent film division. NBCU also owns Universal Parks and Resorts, with full ownership of the parks in Los Angeles and Orlando and part ownership of locations in Japan and Singapore.

Online

NBCUniversal owns multiple digital and online companies, including NBC.com, Fandango, and iVillage. It also is part of a joint-venture in Hulu, the online streaming service.

Key Executives [3]:

Stephen B. Burke – CEO, NBCUniversal

Stephen B. Burke

Stuart J. Epstein – Executive VP and CFO, NBCUniversal

Stuart J. Epstein

Robert Greenblatt – Chairman, NBC Entertainment

Robert Greenblatt

Brian Roberts – Chairman and CEO, Comcast Corporation

Brian Roberts

For more information on NBCUniversal’s executives, click here.

Competitors:

In the broadcast television market, NBC’s main competitors are the other Big Four major networks, which are ABC, CBS, and FOX. However, cable viewership is quickly growing, which means NBC also competes with basically every television station for viewers and advertising dollars.

Ownership History [4]:

NBCUniversal was officially founded in 2004, when NBC and Universal merged into one company. At the time of the merger, Vivendi and GE shared ownership of the company. In 2009, GE and Comcast announced plans to create a joint venture out of NBCUniversal’s companies and Comcast’s cable holdings. The plan was finalized in early 2011, with Comcast taking a majority stake in the company. In early 2013, Comcast announced it would buy GE’s 49% minority stake, a $16.7 billion deal which allowed them to assume 100% ownership of NBCUniversal [5].

Financial Information [6]:

2012 was a successful year for NBCUniversal across the board. The company earned $23.8 billion in total revenue, an increase of nearly $2.7 billion, or 12.7%, from 2011. NBCU’s revenue in all four of its divisions (Broadcast Networks, Cable Networks, Film, and Theme Parks) saw increases in 2012.

The largest gains were made in the Broadcast Television division, which jumped 27.4% from the previous year. The broadcast numbers were aided by the network’s airing of the 2012 London Olympics and Super Bowl XLVI. Excluding these events from the numbers, the Broadcast division’s revenue still saw a 4.8% increase, driven by political advertisements on its Owned & Operated stations. The increased revenue from the political ads also helps explain the Broadcast division’s 7.9% increase in the fourth quarter of 2012 from the same period in 2011.

NBCU’s Cable Networks division accounted for the company’s smallest increases in 2012 (3.3%), but generated the most revenue for the company ($8.8 billion). The NHL lockout hurt ratings for the NBC Sports Network during that time, which boasts NHL coverage as its key selling point. However, ratings for that network reached all-time highs once hockey returned [15]. Advertising revenue decreased by 1.5% in the fourth quarter for NBC’s cable networks.

News:

• GOODBYE, GE

On March 19, Comcast completed its purchase of GE’s 49% stake in NBCUniversal [7]. The $16.7 billion deal also included the sale of GE’s headquarters at the famous 30 Rockefeller Plaza building to Comcast. The deal brings to an end GE’s involvement with NBC, which began in 1919 when the company helped found the Radio Corporation of America, which started the National Broadcasting Company in 1926 [8]. Since then, NBC has been owned by GE, RCA, Westinghouse, Vivendi and now Comcast. Watch Wall Street Journal Live’s analysis of the deal below (video courtesy of YouTube).

• ADIÓS, NBC

For the first time ever, NBC fell out of the top four networks during a sweeps period conducted by Nielsen [9]. Univision, the Spanish language network, moved ahead of NBC as the fourth most watched network among adults ages 18-49 during the month of February. NBC struggled during that month, as its new show Do No Harm was cancelled after just two episodes, and the new comedy 1600 Penn struggled as well [10].

• THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH…

Jimmy Fallon (right) will take over for Jay Leno (left) as host of “The Tonight Show”.

…Jimmy Fallon? NBC announced in April that the Late Night host will replace Jay Leno on The Tonight Show starting in 2014 [11]. Leno, who has hosted The Tonight Show for 22 years, took over for Johnny Carson in 1992. Leno was replaced by Conan O’Brien in 2009 [12], but returned only seven months later [13] after a feud with the network over a time for his new show. It is being rumored that Saturday Night Live head writer and “Weekend Update” host Seth Meyers will replace Fallon as host of Late Night.

• USA! USA!

NBCU’s USA Network earned the best primetime ratings for a cable network in the first quarter of 2013, its eighth year in a row earning that honor [14]. Popular programs such as Suits and WWE Raw helped the network win the quarter, defeating rivals with popular programs such as AMC and its hit The Walking Dead. USA averaged over 3 million viewers during the primetime slots. Another NBCU network, Bravo, also improved, making the top ten networks among viewers ages 25-54.

• NHL COVERAGE SCORES FOR NBC SPORTS NETWORK

The NBC Sports Network is posting record numbers this year for its NHL coverage [15]. The network, formerly Comcast’s Versus, is averaging 448,000 viewers per game, up from its previous high of 348,000 viewers. The numbers may have gotten a boost because of the lockout that cut the season down to 48 games. National games airing on NBC’s broadcast network are also doing better, averaging 1.7 million viewers,just ahead of its previous tally of 1.6 million.

• ‘THE VOICE’ NEARS IN ON ‘IDOL’

The popular singing competition show, The Voice, has returned to NBC’s lineup, and has outperformed FOX’s American Idol so far [16]. Although Idol‘s first two episodes earned stronger ratings than The Voice‘s, NBC’s program is gaining momentum, while FOX’s is seeing its lowest ratings in the 12-year history of the show. The show’s performance in the ratings for the remainder of the season may tell whether it will replace Idol as America’s favorite singing show.

• USING THE SECOND SCREEN

In March, USA allowed fans of its series Psych to choose the ending of the show’s 100th episode [17]. The vote was part of a new online and mobile feature called USA Sync, an attempt by the network to use new media to add interactivity to its programming [18]. The program allows fans to post about the shows, connect with each other, and play interactive games. On the mobile platform, the service is available as an app that gives users access to more content through other applications.

• A DELICIOUS PREMIERE

The much anticipated new series Hannibal premiered on NBC on April 4. The series, about fictional evil genius Hannibal Lecter, serves as a prequel to the 1991 classic film The Silence of the Lambs. The show earned praise from Internet critics, with some calling it “riveting” [19], and others saying it was “beautifully shot and…surprisingly thoughtful” [20]. Watch a promo for Hannibal below (video courtesy of YouTube).

• FOR E!, OLDE IS NEW

Jeff Olde

In March, E! named former VH1 executive Jeff Olde head of its programming [21]. Olde will be in charge of the development of E!’s shows, including Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Soup, and Chelsea Lately. Olde will begin his new job this summer.

Sources:

[1]: http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/about-us/

[2]: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/chart/?studio=universal.htm

[3]: http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/

[4]:http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/about-us/history/

[5]: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/comcast-buying-g-e-s-stake-in-nbcuniversal-for-16-7-billion/

[6]: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-reports-4th-quarter-and-year-end-2012-results-2013-02-12

[7]: http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/comcast-completes-acquisition-nbcuniversal/

[8]: http://www.gereports.com/its-a-wrap/

[9]: http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/02/27/univision-sets-milestone-as-no-4-network-in-february-sweeps-ahead-of-nbc-in-key-demos/171192/

[10]: http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/nbc-sweeps-ratings-lastloses-to-univision/

[11]: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/04/02/source-jimmy-fallon-to-take-reins-of-tonight-show-from-jay-leno.html

[12]: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/30/arts/television/30leno.html?em&_r=0

[13]: http://www.accesshollywood.com/jay-leno-heading-back-to-late-night-conan-obrien-weighing-options_article_27490

[14]: http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/usa-suits-ratings-amc-walking-dead-1200332772/

[15]: http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2013/03/19/Media/NHL-Ratings.aspx

[16]: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/in-ratings-race-the-voice-gains-on-idol/

[17]: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/NATL-Viewers-to-Choose-Psych-Ending–200075821.html

[18]: http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2013/04/01/usa-network-launches-the-next-phase-of-usa-sync-first-live-second-screen-content-syndication-platform-625513/20130401usa01/

[19]: http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/review-nbcs-hannibal-a-riveting-silence-of-the-lambs-prequel

[20]: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/hannibal-tv-review-433109

[21]: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeff-olde-named-es-head-431347

AMC Networks

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Elan Schoonmaker

by Elan Schoonmaker

11 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
Main Phone #: (212) 324-8500

Profile

AMC Networks is a company with a focus on delivering top quality entertainment to households all around the United States. Through its variety of cable channels IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, IFC Films and AMC, AMC Networks is able to reach out to audiences of all shapes and forms. These channels air anything from wedding shows (WE tv), to zombie thrillers (AMC). This network knows what its audience likes to watch. Reaching 95 million households, its no wonder why AMC Networks is home to multiple award winning television shows. AMC Networks is the only network to have won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama series for four consecutive years. [1] Adding to its list of awards, the network also roped in a three straight Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series Drama.

AMC Network Channel Thumbnails

AMC: is devoted to airing past theatrical releases and original series television shows. AMC is most commonly known for its big three shows; Breaking Bad, Mad Men and The Walking Dead.

Sundance Channel: known for airing independent films, world cinema, documentaries, short films and original programming.

WE tv: is a tv channel targeted at women specifically. This channel is home to famous shows like; Bridezillas, My Fair Wedding and The Golden Girls.

IFC: is a channel that airs movies and tv shows with a certain indie aspect to them. Well known tv shows from this channel are; Maron, Out There, and Portlandia

Brief History

Once known as Rainbow Media Holding, AMC Networks got its start 32 years ago. It only became known as a private business in 2005. AMC Networks has always been somewhat successful, but never as much as it has been now.

Anti Dish Network

AMC Network made an enemy back in 2008 when it decided to sue Dish Network over a channel carriage dispute. Skipping ahead four years, in 2012 Dish decided to change its home channel without any notice. Shortly after AMC was removed entirely from Dish. Dish claimed that it didn’t want to carry AMC anymore due to the channels that came packaged with it, like WE tv and The Sundance Channel. After many years and court sessions, the only thing AMC has to show is its 2.4 billion dollars in damage [2]

Key Figures

Josh Sapan

Josh Sapan, also known as President of AMC Networks has been crucial in the networks rise to stardom [3]. Before Sapan came into play, AMC was just a cable channel that played classic movies all day. Once he came along, he helped turn AMC into a channel that would produce leading entertainment originals such as The Walking Dead. He also helped the network reach out to a wider ranged audience. With the introduction of cable channels like WE tv and Sundance Channel, Sapan helped the network gain the viewership of more women.

Ed Carroll

Ed Carrol began his role of Chief Operating Officer back in 2009. It is no mere coincidence that AMC Networks has seen its greatest increase of viewership since then. He oversaw shows like The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, and Mad Men [4]. Near the top of his list of accomplishments is his work with The Sundance Channel. After a lot of time and hard work, he was able to expand the reach of the Sundance Channel to both Europe and Asia.

Financials

In the Fourth Quarterly report in 2012, the net Income for AMC Networks was up by 13.9%. Nationally, the network had a 15.9% increase from last year, but internationally net income dropped 8.8% [5]

Operating income for AMC Networks increased 11.1% since 2011. Just like the net income, this was due to national numbers. Nationally there was a 16.8% increase in operating income [5]. The network suffered though with an international loss of $27 million dollars.

AMC Networks Stock

In the long term stock wise, AMC Networks has been seen a sharp increase in value. Exactly one year ago from this date (April 5, 2012), the stock price was $43.53 per stock. Today they are $63.24 a share, which is a 31% increase [10]. If AMC Networks continue at this rate, there will be no limit to its success.

The national business model for the network is the reason why it is profitable today. The international model however keeps losing money. Things need to change internationally if the network plans on continuing its growth.

Recent Activity

February 26, 2013: Sundance Channel will be experiencing a lot of changes over the next few months. This channel as a whole doesn’t reach out to enough viewers. As of now, AMC is the jewel of AMC Networks. That is why starting March 4, all four seasons of Breaking Bad were scheduled to air on Sundance Channel [6]. Also starting April 22 Sundance Channel will air the pilot to its new original series Rectify. This show will follow a man who been discharged of a rape conviction after 19 years. Following its debut, Rectify will also be rerun on AMC to promote the show.

March 1, 2013: AMC Networks announces two major changes in a press release. The first announcement was that AMC will renew the contract it has with Rogers Comm. Rogers Comm. is a leading Canadian communications company. This renewal will deliver HD access to all of AMC’s TV shows [7]. It will also allow customers to access AMC original series on multiple platforms. Whether that means viewing AMC on an Xbox or an Iphone, it is entirely up to the customer.

YEAH!

March 12, 2013: AMC Announces YEAH!, a movie service like Netflix in that it provides movies to customers on a streaming platform. Unlike Netflix, YEAH! provides interactive features to pre-existing movies [8]. If someone wants to watch Pulp Fiction they can watch it with never before seen interviews. They can also get fun facts throughout the film, as well as quiz questions every now and then.

April 1, 2013

The AMC channel announces its ratings for the following night, March 31. The Walking Dead alone gained the viewership of 12.4 million people [9]. These ratings mark a new record for AMC. The Walking Dead was the most viewed show on TV that night. This came as no surprise to AMC though. Since late September, The Walking Dead remained on top in the ratings, beating shows like American Idol and even The Big Bang Theory. On top of the record ratings with 5.2 million viewers, AMC’s Talking Dead talk show reached a new record as well.

Works Cited

[1] AMC Network “About Us”

[2] AMC Versus Dish Network

[3] Josh Sapan Information

[4] Ed Carroll Information

[5] Quarterly Report

[6] Sundance Channel New Format

[7] Rogers Communications Renewal

[8] Yeah!

[9] The Walking Dead Audience

[10] AMC Networks Stock

NewsCorp/Fox

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Adam Kloos Jr

by Adam Kloos

News Corporation

Fox Broadcasting Station

[1][2]

Contact Information [3]:

1211 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY, 10036 United States

(212)-852-7000

http://www.newscorp.com

Key Executives [6]:

Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO

[7]

Rupert Murdoch is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of News Corporation. He is very active within the company and continues to expand into new media outlets.

Jose Maria Anzar, President

[9]

Jose Maria Aznar is the president of News Corporation and former Prime Minister of Spain.

HRTS Kicks Off With "A Conversation With.. Chase Carey"

Chase Carey, President and COO

[10]

Chase Carey is the President and Chief Operating Officer of News Corporation.

Natalie Bancroft, Director

[11]

Natalie Bancroft is the Director of Newscorp. She is part of the Bancroft family that used to own the Dow Jones Media [5].

Gaude Lydia Paez, Vice President of Corporate Communications

[12]

Gaude Lydia Paez is the Vice President of Corporate Communications at FOX Broadcasting Company.

Overview:

News Corporation is a corporation made up of a large number of various media businesses. News Corporation has assets in film, magazine, newspapers, direct satellite television, news, cable broadcasting, cable programming, television programming and broadcast, as well as sports teams and social media [4]. The media conglomerate was created and is currently under control of Rupert Murdoch, who according to Forbes is the 26th most powerful person in the world and the 91st richest[5]. News Corporation currently operates on 5 continents that include North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia [8]. Their main competitors include CBS, NBC/Comcast, and Disney. The FOX Broadcasting Company was launched in 1986 as a fourth broadcast station that has been largely successful in competing with the Big Three. It owns 27 different stations in the US and many more internationally. Throughout the early 2000s until 2012 FOX was the number one watched station by young adults, 18-49 [13].

History:

The history of News Corporation stretches back to 1952, when Rupert Murdoch inherited ‘The Adelaide News,’ a newspaper company his father owned. After returning from school to run the company, Murdoch greatly improved its profits. From there he acquired a number of other newspapers throughout Australia and New Zealand before eventually moving to the British market in the mid-60s. In 1973 he turned his attention to the US where he began buying up American newspaper publishers. In 1980 he announced the creation of News Corporation as a global holding company [4].

In 1985, News Corporation acquired 50% of TCF Holdings which was the parent company of 20th Century Fox. In 1986, 20th Century Fox launched FOX, an alternative to the already existing broadcast stations ABC, CBS, and NBC [14]. In the early 90s, FOX signed a contract with the NFL, giving them the rights to broadcast NFL games on Sundays. Today FOX continues to be the preferred station of youner adults with popular shows such as The Simpsons, American Idol, Glee, Family Guy, Bones, and The X Factor [15].

What They Are Doing Presently?

In 2011, News Corporation was caught in a huge phone-hacking scandal that involved the family of a murdered British school girl by News of the World. There were also accusations of phone-hackings of the London subway bombing victims, families of deceased British soldiers, and an FBI investigation of possible phone-hackings of 9/11 victims. As a result of this, Rupert Murdoch shut down publication of the magazine, News of the World in England and 12 people were arrested. This scandal also caused the company to withdraw a $12 billion bid for shares of British Sky Broadcasting [16]. The arrests and investigation continued into late 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIZNXZVNk74

Apart from the scandal, News Corporation announced in 2012 that they plan to split into two publicly traded holding companies. One division would take care of all film and television assets including 20th Century Fox film studio, Fox Broadcasting Company, and Fox News. The other would have control over the company’s publishing division that includes The Times of London, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Post. Rupert Murdoch would remain chairman of both companies while Chase Carey would remain Chief Operating Officer of the entertainment and media company [17].

What Are Their Plans For The Future?:

Disney and News Corp. are currently in negotiations over the video streaming service Hulu. Jason Kilar, the current CEO of Hulu is planning to leave his postion, and the interim CEO for now is senior vice-president Andy Forssell. Once News Corp. and Disney finalize their negotiations, a permanent CEO will be named to take over Hulu. There has been recent talk of both Disney and News Corp. planning to buy out each others stake in the company. Both companies admitted that Hulu was losing money due to the high costs of liscensing television shows and computer servers [18].

Fox Broadcasting Company is looking forward to “Fox Now,” a collection of apps for mobile devices. These apps allow audiences to view their favorite FOX shows and allow viewers to be more interactive with the content. “T-Commerce” is part of the “Fox Now” app that enables viewers to shop online while watching the show New Girl. The items from the show such as clothing and other paraphenelia would be available to audiences in real time [13].

Programming:

American Idol, 2002-present

[19]

American Idol has been a long running success on the Fox network. It first aired in 2002 and had been the number one watched show for eight consecutive seasons through 2011. The show is very interactive with the audience because the millions of viewers get to decide which contestants get to move on to the next round each week, before eventually choosing the winner [20].

The SImpsons, 1989-present

[21]

The Simpsons is the longest running prime-time animated comedy series in the history of television. Created by Matt Groening in 1989, it is currently in its 24th season. The show focuses on the lives of a dysfunctional lower class family in Springfield. The show is typically family friendly [22].

Family Guy, 1999-present

[23]

Family Guy was created by Seth McFarlanein 1999. Family Guy has remained a hit on Fox since that time and gained an undeniable cult following. Also focusing on the lives of a dysfuncitonal working class family, this show contains content for more mature audiences with it’s slapstick and often raunchy humor. The show is currently in its 11th season [22].

Financials:

By the end of 2012, News Corporation had assets that equaled out to $63 billion and saw a revenue of $34 billion, the highest it had ever been. This was up from 2011 by about $500 million. The increase in revenue can be attributed to its deals with Netflix and Amazon.com for its sitcoms and films [6]. Currently a share of News Corporation is $30.68 [24]. This is improved from exactly one year ago when a share was going for $23.18. Stockholders have been pleased with the strong growth over the past few years, especially the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Works Cited

1. http://www.logok.org

2. http://www.zenithotimedia.blogspot.com

3. http://www.hoover.com

4. http://www.corporatewatch.org

5. http://www.forbes.com

6. http://www.newscorp.com

7. http://www.guardian.co.uk

8. http://www.nndb.com

9. http://www.en.mediamass.net

10. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com

11. http://www.nymag.com

12. http://www.foxflash.com

13. http://www.thefutoncritic.com

14. http://www.thehistoryofcorporate.com

15. http://www.fox.com

16. http://www.poynter.org

17. http://www.money.cnn.com

18. http://www.news.yahoo.com

19. http://www.roniloren.com

20. http://www.tvguide.com

21. http://www.collegiatetimes.com

22. http://www.imdb.com

23. http://www.tv.com

24. http://www.wsj.com

AMC Networks

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Elliott Brannon

by Elliott Brannon

amc_network_logo_render

11 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 324-8500
Website: http://www.amcnetworks.com

About the Company: [3] [4]

AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX) is an American entertainment company founded in 1980 whose brands include the cable networks AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, and WE tv. The company also controls IFC Films, a United States distributor of indie film.

In 2012, the company’s revenues increased from $1.188 billion in 2011 to $1.353 billion, a growth of 13.9%. AMC Network’s overall income also increased 11.1%, maturing from $327 million in 2011 to nearly $463 million in 2012. Company stock prices have also increased about 18% since January (as of April 3, 2013).

Brands: [5]

AMC was first launched in 1984. Since then, the network has gone on to become the only cable network in history to receive the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row and the only cable network to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama for three years in a row. AMC’s popular original series include Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Walking Dead.

IFC is the Independent Film Channel and was initially launched in 1994. The channel airs original series such as Onion News Network and Portlandia as well as numerous indie films and other syndicated television shows.

Sundance Channel was founded by Robert Redford in 1996. Its original series include Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and All On The Line.

WE tv is a network targeted at women and was first launched in 1997. Popular original series include Braxton Family Values and Bridezillas.

IFC Films distributes independent films throughout the U.S. This division also controls the feature film production company, IFC Productions.

Key Executives: [1]

Josh Sapan, President & Chief Executive Officer of AMC Networks

Charles Dolan Executive Chairman
Josh Sapan President & Chief Executive Officer
Charlie CollierPresident & General Manager, AMC
Jennifer Caserta Priore President & General Manager, IFC
Sarah Barnett Executive Vice President & General Manager, Sundance Channel
Kim Martin President & General Manager, WE tv

Recent News (January-April 2013):

April 1: The season three finale of AMC‘s The Walking Dead on March 31st delivered 12.4 million viewers total and 8.1 million viewers age 18 to 49 with a 7.4 HH rating, making it the #1 TV program for the week and #1 television show for the overall season amongst adults age 18-49 [6].

AMC’s new logo and tagline

During the airing of the finale, AMC debuted its brand new logo and tagline, replacing its old tagline, “Story Matters Here,” with “Something More.” Linda Schupack, AMC’s executive vice president of marketing explained that, “AMC: Something More further refines our focus on- and off-air and speaks to our promise to viewers to provide an experience that is unexpected, unconventional and uncompromising” [7].

March 21: AMC released a trailer for its newest original series, Low Winter Sun, a police drama set in Detroit based on a 2006 British miniseries.

The show is being co-produced by AMC Studios and Endemol Studios. Its credits include executive producer Chris Mundy, who has previously worked on CBS’s Criminal Minds [8].

March 13: James Maiella was appointed as the new senior vice president of corporate communications at AMC Networks. Maiella will overlook business and trade relations for all of the companies cable networks as well as IFC Films. He will work alongside the company’s other current senior vice president of corporate communications, Georgia Juvelis [9].

March 12: AMC Networks launched YEAH!, a movie streaming service. Movies are currently available on www.YEAHTV.com, which carries classic films with added bonus features, such as interviews with filmmakers and story notes, only available exclusively through the service. Users must pay $5 to watch a movie and its additional bonus features or can pay $2 to watch a movie without the added content. The service is only available online through a computer for now, but an iPad app is set for release this summer [10].

March 5: Anchor Bay Entertainment and AMC Networks completed a home entertainment distribution deal, giving Anchor Bay the rights to distribute DVD and Blu-ray releases of AMC, IFC, and Sundance original series throughout the United States and Canada. Some specific digital distribution deals are also included in the agreement.

Sundance’s Rectify and AMC’s Low Winter Sun, which have both not debuted yet, will be the first series distributed under the new deal. Anchor Bay has worked closely with AMC Networks in the past, serving as the home entertainment distributor for AMC’s The Walking Dead [11].

February 25: Sundance Channel and AMC reached an agreement giving Sundance Channel syndication rights to the off network premiere of AMC’s Breaking Bad.

Breaking Bad’s Walter White

This agreement comes in lieu of the upcoming premiere of Sundance Channel’s first ever scripted series, Rectify, which is produced by the same group behind Breaking Bad [12].

Rectify is set to premiere on April 22, 2013 at 10:100pm et/pt [13].

February 21: WE tv greenlighted a new unscripted reality series, Glam & Gold, starring olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross and two-time Super Bowl champion Aaron Ross. Filming is already underway in Austin and Jacksonville. Glam & Gold joins a host of other WE tv shows starring African-Americans including Mary Tary and Braxton Family Values [17].

February 15: IFC Films secured North American rights to the indie neo-noir thriller, The Canyons, starring Lindsay Lohan and James Deen and directed by Paul Schrader. The film will premiere in early summer at a Special Presentation at the Film Society of Lincoln Center in conjunction with a day-and-date release. Schrader’s film will also be simultaneously released on a variety of other digital platforms [18].

February 11: The Walking Dead’s February 10th airing of its season 3B premiere on AMC delivered 12.3 million viewers. With 7.7 million viewers age 18-49, the episode delivered the highest rating for a television series in basic cable history for that demographic.

The series’ average viewership in season 3 for adults 18-49 was 6.8 million, making it the #1 program of the season amongst that age range [14].

February 5: Joel Stillerman, executive vice president of programming, production, and digital content for AMC, announced a two-year first look deal with Stacey Sher and Michael Shamberg of Double Feature Films. Shamberg and Sher are both two-time Academy Award nominees and have worked on a variety of films together including Django Unchained, Erin Brokovich, and Garden State [15].

January 15: AMC and Fox Television Studios announced a new agreement that will bring AMC’s The Killing back to the network for a third season. The agreement brings Veena Sud back as the series’ executive producer and showrunner and also brings back lead actors Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman. Production of the show’s new season began on February 25 in Vancouver [16].

References:

A+E Television Networks

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Jacqueline Grossman

by Jacqueline Grossman

Courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

A&E Overview

A&E Television Networks is a privately held media company located in New York City that owns and operates 10 channels that are available by both cable and satellite. The network’s channels reach more than 300 million households in 150 countries, producing content in 35 different languages [1]. Its mission involves bringing human stories to life, knowing full well that quality entertainment can come straight from real-world experiences. Lifetime Television, its flagship network, is the most powerful media brand targeted to women, with shows such as Dance Moms and Project Runway. Since its launch in February, 1984, Lifetime has grown significantly, reaching nearly 98 million households today [2]. In addition to this station, the A&E television channel itself offers a mix of reality-based programming and documentaries while its History, Military History, and History 2 channels air original programs on historical topics. The company also operates sister networks such as Crime & Investigation Network and The Biography Channel. It has international networks in the UK and Asia. [3].

History

AETN was formed in 1983 as a joint venture between Hearst, Walt Disney, and NBCUniversal (NBCU). The company launched Lifetime in 1984, followed by the History Channel, History Channel International, and The Biography Channel in 1995 and 1998, respectively. Throughout its history, the network has achieved incredible success, for instance in 2004 when it won 24 Emmy nominations and in 2008, when HISTORY (renamed from The History Channel) became the #1 cable network in primetime among the target demographic: adults 18-49. A&E continues to demonstrate success through its new reality television shows Duck Dynasty, Storage Wars, and Hoarders. In July of last year, NBC sold its 15.8 percent stake of A&E to Hearst and Walt Disney for $3.03 billion. [1]

Key Executives

Abbe Raven, courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

Abbe Raven has been the President and CEO of A&E Television Networks since March 2005. Before overseeing all A&E holdings, she was part of the original team that launched the History Channel and reinvented A&E (channel) in 2003. Ms. Raven is a firm believer in the motto “slow and steady wins the race,” having started as a secretary for A&E and learned the business from the bottom up. Today, she is an award-winning President and CEO who has been named one of the Top 5 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter. [1]

Gerard Gruosso, courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

As, Executive VP, Finance and CFO, Gerard Gruosso is responsible for the management of A&E’s accounts, budgets, and strategic planning. He also oversees the network’s facilities and information management. Mr. Gruosso has been with A&E since 1985, beginning as Assistant Controller, working his way up to Controller and Vice President, and eventually reaching his current position. [1]

Nancy Dubuc, courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

President, Entertainment and Media Nancy Dubuc oversees the creation and development of A&E’s brand and marketing in addition to managing A&E International and A&E Digital. Before transitioning to this position, Ms. Dubuc previously served as the President and General Manager of HISTORY and Lifetime Networks. [1]

Dan Suratt, courtesy of www.aenetworks.com

Six-time Emmy Award-winner Dan Suratt is the Executive VP, Digital Media and Business Development. He handles the network’s business negotiations and digital distribution. As a result of his efforts, Mr. Suratt has doubled A&E’s site traffic to 22 million visitors per month. [1]

Competitors

A&E’s top three competitors are Discovery Communications, Inc., MTV Networks Company, and AMC Networks Inc. [4]

Company News

January

Lifetime Television was off to a great start in the first month of 2013. It’s original movie, Prosecuting Casey Anthony, generated great success for the channel; it ranked as the number one telecast across ad-supported cable in total viewers, adults 18+, women 18+, women 25-54, and women 18-49 on the night it premiered. The movie—which starred Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Rob Lowe—was the first opportunity to recount the infamous Casey Anthony trial. It is from the perspective of Jeff Ashton, the Florida prosecutor who was involved in the case and provides details on his aggressive investigation of Caylee Anthony’s death. [10]

February

Duck Dynasty, courtesy of www.aetv.com

A&E’s unexpected hit, Duck Dynasty, became the channel’s number 1 telecast ever and number one nonfiction series on cable in 2013. The show follows the lives of the Roberson family members, owners of Duck Commander, a business that makes products for duck hunters. Its season three premiere earned a total of 8.6 million viewers, ranking ahead of FOX’s American Idol. What is it that distinguishes this series from other “redneck” reality shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Swamp Pawn, and Buckwild? Television critics argue that it comes down to the characters themselves. The Robersons are savvy, educated businessmen with diverse yet endearing personalities. In addition, the show flows at a relaxed pace and is suitable for family audiences. [11][12]

March

Nielsen ratings for cable network TV shows, courtesy of www.nielsen.com

A&E received more great news in March. Its A&E television channel had its best quarter in history among total viewers and adults 25-54, soaring past the previously record-setting first quarter 2012. One of the key reasons for this success is the increase in well-received original series that aired in the first quarter of 2013, specifically Bates Motel, Duck Dynasty, and Storage Wars. Due to these shows, the network was up 2% in adults 25-54 (835,000 vs. 819,000) and up 6% in total viewers (1.7 million vs.1.6 million). March was the most watched month in the quarter, and it was the first time A&E averaged more than one million viewers age 25-54 in a single month. These records have propelled A&E up to become the fourth ranked most-watched cable network in all three demographics this March (18-49, 25-54, and total viewers). [8]

Vikings, the History Channel’s new show, courtesy of www.history.com

The History Channel enjoyed success from its first scripted series, Vikings. The hit drama explores the adventure, bloodshed, and passion that existed during the Dark Ages, all through the eyes of the Vikings. Vikings is special in that it not only celebrates the excitement of warfare but also demonstrates the strength of familial ties. According to the network, Vikings attracted 4.8 million total viewers, with 2.2 million adults 25-54 and 1.9 million adults 18-49. These ratings made Vikings the most-watched cable series in its timeslot. [9]

April

Storage Wars, courtesy of www.aetv.com

One of A&E’s most popular television shows, Storage Wars, is returning on April 16th with a full series of 24 episodes, despite the network’s participation in lawsuits with former show star Dave Hester. The hit series premiered in 2010 and features teams of auctioneers looking to “hit it big” by purchasing the contents of storage facilities after inspecting it for a short amount of time. Hester took the network to court claiming the show is staged; he argued that the show’s producers knew what items were in which storage locker and used this knowledge to rig the bidders’ fates. [6] Even with this controversy, Storage Wars ranked as A&E’s number one series among adults aged 18-49 and 25-54. It also achieved the number three rating for non-fiction show on cable among adults aged 25-54. Last year, the show averaged 4.2 million total viewers. [7] Click here for a link to this season’s trailer.

Contact A+E

Website: http://www.aenetworks.com/

Address: 235 E. 45th St. New York, NY, 10017 United States

Telephone: (212) 210-1400

Works Cited

1. About A&E Networks – bringing human stories to life

2. Lifetime

3. A&E International Information

4. Hoovers – A&E Competitors

5. A&E Executive Bios

6. Storage Wars Lawsuit

7. Storage Wars

8. A&E Scores Best Quarter in Network History

9. Vikings

10. Casey Anthony Movie

11. Salt Lake Tribune – Duck Dynasty

12. TV By the Numbers – Duck Dynasty Article

Comcast/NBCUniversal

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Montana McBirney

By Montana McBirney

Comcast/NBCUniversal Logo [1]

What is Comcast/NBCUniversal?

Comcast/NBCUniversal is one of the leading companies in the fields of media, entertainment, and technology. It is under the Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK). This company owns and operates television networks, theme parks, film companies, a sports firm, television stations, and a video, Internet, and phone provider to residential customers and business [2]. The company is essentially split up into two businesses: Comcast Corporation and NBCUniversal.

NBCUniversal Logo [9]

NBCUniversal owns NBC cable networks like Bravo, E!, and MSNBC. NBC Broadcast television has NBC entertainment, news, and sports. NBC Universal also owns television stations in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and many other markets. Telemundo is also under the umbrella of NBCUniversal, along with Universal Television [3].

How did Comcast/NBCUniversal Come Together?

In 1926, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) formed NBC. At the New York World’s Fair in 1939, NBC unveiled the television and broadcasts [4]. After General Electric became it’s parent company in 1986, NBC had many successful years critically. In 2002, they bought the Spanish language broadcaster Telemundo and Bravo and a year later NBC merged with Vivendi Universal Entertainment to become NBCUniversal [5]. In 2011, Comcast purchased the controlling 51% of NBCUniversal from General Electric for $13.8 billion.

Who are the Faces of Comcast/NBCUniversal?

CEO NBCUniversal Stephen B. Burke [7]
CEO Comcast Corporation Brian L. Roberts [8]

What Does Comcast/NBCUniversal Own?

The picture above [10] illustrates the cable and broadcast channels that Comcast/NBCUniversal owns, along with the digital, film, and park entities that it owns. Evidenced by the many cable channels it owns, the company is focused it’s efforts on the surging cable industry. In a visit to Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, CEO Brian Roberts said that, “the world is changing,” and that, “in terms of profit, cable makes more money.” He did say however that NBC is still the engine for their company and it just as much of a focus as the cable channels are [11]. NBC also owns ten stations across the United States in places like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. They also own 14 Telemundo stations in places like Miami, Houston, and San Antonio [21].

What is Comcast/NBCUniversal Doing Today?

In the ratings game, NBC won November sweeps for the first time in nine years. However, in February, NBC hit a new low, coming in fifth place in sweeps. Averaging a 1.2 rating among adults 18-49 put them behind Univision‘s 1.5 rating [23]. With shows like “Do No Harm” [34] preforming with dismal numbers (0.9/3), NBC started off badly. They cancelled the show after airing only two episodes [24].

30-rock-series-finale-airs-tonight-tracy-morgan-baby-news

[28]

NBC’s critically acclaimed comedy “30 Rock,” ended its seventh and final season on January 31st this year. Over the many season, “30 Rock” received a whopping 90 Emmy nominations [22]. Often on the show, Tina Fey and her fellow writers wrote what was exactly happening in their life into the show. General Electric employees and “KableTown” executives frequently appeared.

In February, Comcast also made a huge deal with General Electric to buy the remaining half of NBCUniversal earlier than intended. For $16.7 billion, Comcast now has entire control over NBCUniversal. This shows Comcast’s newly energized commitment to cable and broadcast television [25].

Recently, NBC has been going through some shake ups with ratings and hosts. “Today” lost out on ratings to ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Matt Lauer has a contract expiring soon that is also up in the air [26]. The most recent problem has been how NBC handled the Jay Leno – Jimmy Fallon debacle (pictured right [29]). After months of rumors, NBC announced Jay Leno would retire in the spring of next year, with Jimmy Fallon resuming his spot as host of “The Tonight Show” [27].

Also, in February, it was announced that David Axelrod, previous chief strategist to President Barack Obama’s recent campaign, would join NBC News as a senior political analyst [35].

What is Next for Comcast/NBCUniversal?

Comcast/NBCUniversal is preparing for the end of a legendary show, for new summer shows to be released, and for the upcoming Fall 2013 pilot season.

[32]

NBC’s “The Office” will be ending it’s run on Thursday, May 16th at 9p.m. Since 2005, “The Office” has collected Emmy’s, Golden Globes and many other awards in its amazing 9 season run [13].

NBC is beginning it’s summer roll out with Bryan Fuller’s “Hannibal” which averaged a 1.6 rating/4share in adults 18-49 in its premiere on Thursday, April 4. The show got 4.3 million viewers overall, which are not great numbers but good enough considering it’s lead in was the comedy “Go On” [12]. The video below is a season preview for the new show [18].

On Tuesday, April 9th, “Ready for Love,” a relationship show with three bachelors will premiere, with Eva Longoria as Executive Producer [14] will premiere. “America’s Got Talent” will be premiering its 8th season on June 4, with new judges Mel B and Heidi Klum appearing on July 10th [15].

NBC is also scheduled to premiere their new dramedy “Camp” from creators Liz Heldens and Peter Elkoff, starring “Six Feet Under” actress Rachel Griffiths. It is about Little Hawk family Camp and the parents and kids that inhabit it [16]. “Crossing Lines” is another series scheduled for summer 2013 starring William Fichtner and Donald Sutherland [17].

Comcast/NBCUniversal’s cable networks are preparing for the future as well. The E! network is premiering a new reality show about US gold medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte called “What Would Ryan Lochte Do?”. It premieres April 21st at 10pm [19]. Bravo is premiering “Million Dollar Listing,” “Newlyweds The First Year,” and the ever so popular “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” all in the upcoming months [20].

MV5BMTcwMDM5ODUwOF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMzEwOTI4._V1._SY314_CR12,0,214,314_

John Malkovich [33]

Over the past few months, NBC has been green lighting and shooting upcoming fall pilots for the 2013 season. With 24 pilots (15 comedies and 9 dramas) NBC has the most of any major network. Some of the most anticipated include “About A Boy” from “Parenthood” creator Jason Katims, “Untitled John Mulaney/Lorne Michaels” comedy from the two previously named, along with “The Office” vet Craig Robinson’s untitled comedy [30]. For drama, “Hatfields & McCoys,” starring Virginia Madsen, “Wonderland,” a modern set Alice and Wonderland, and “Crossbones,” which John Malkovich recently signed onto [31].

Works Cited

[1] NBC Peacock Spreads Wings Over Comcast. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324478304578171611450891682.html

[2] Comcast Corporate. http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/company-overview

[3] NBCUniversal About Us. http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/about-us/

[4] Museum of Broadcast Communications: NBC. http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=nationalbroa

[5] Timeline: NBC and Universal. http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/12/03/us-nbc-comcast-timeline-idUSTRE5B22SO20091203

[7] NBCUniversal’s Senior Executives. http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/senior-corporate-executives/

[8] NBCUniversal’s Board of Directors. http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/management/board-of-directors/

[9] NBCUniversal logo. https://twitter.com/NBCUniversal

[10] NBCUniversal’s ownership table. www.dailywireless.org/2010/01/04/top-ten-digital-broadcasting-stories-of-the-decade/

[11] Montana McBirney’s notes on Brian Roberts’ visit to Newhouse.

[12] Hannibal Ratings. http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/no-big-ratings-bite-for-hannibal-in-premiere-but-nbc-has-seen-worse-1200333622/

[13] Office Ends its run. http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/07/showbiz/tv/office-series-finale-ew

[14] Ready For Love. http://www.nbc.com/ready-for-love/

[15] America’s Got Talent. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/03/19/americas-got-talent-season-8-to-premiere-june-4-on-nbc/174051/

[16] NBC’s “Camp. http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/rachel-griffiths-to-topline-nbc-summer-series-camp-brent-sexton-joins-ironside/

[17] NBC Nabs “Crossing Lines. http://variety.com/2013/tv/international/nbc-nabs-crossing-lines-1200326311/

[18] Hannibal Preview. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGYc2PJFV-E

[19] E! Shows. http://www.eonline.com/shows

[20] Bravo Shows. http://www.bravotv.com/shows

[21] NBCUniversal Contact Us. http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/about-us/

[22] 30 Rock Bids Farewell. http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/news-feed/30-rock-bids-farewell-after-seven-successful-seasons

[23] NBC Finishes Fifth. http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/nbc-sweeps-ratings-lastloses-to-univision/

[24] NBC Cancels Do No Harm. http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/02/08/nbc-cancels-do-no-harm/

[25] Comcast’s NBCUniversal deal. http://business.time.com/2013/02/14/comcasts-nbcuniversal-deal-as-one-media-era-ends-another-begins/

[26] Why Is “Good Morning America” Beating “Today.” www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/tv-zone-1.811968/why-is-good-morning-america-beating-today-1.4819519

[27] Jimmy Fallon Takes Over “Tonight” http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-tonight-show-culture-jimmy-fallon-20130405,0,3091028.story

[28] 30 Rock’s Season Finale Airs. http://www.justjared.com/2013/01/31/30-rock-series-finale-airs-tonight-tracy-morgan-baby-news/

[29] Jimmy Fallon & Jay Leno photo. http://www.justjared.com/2013/01/31/30-rock-series-finale-airs-tonight-tracy-morgan-baby-news/

[30] TV Pilots 2013. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-pilots-2013-complete-guide-413377

[31] John Malkovich to Star in NBC”s Pirate Drama. http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/john-malkovich-to-star-in-nbc-series-crossbones/

[32] The Office picture. http://www.officetally.com/the-office-season-9-poster

[33] John Malkovich photo. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000518/

[34] Do No Harm. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2184980/

[35] David Axelrod joins NBCNews. http://theweek.com/article/index/240310/david-axelrod-joins-nbc-news-is-the-white-house-running-msnbc

Disney/ABC Television Group

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Mila Morgensztern

By Mila Morgensztern

500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521-4581, United States. (2)

Tel: 818-560-1000

Fax: 818-560-1930

www.disneyabctv.com

COMPANY OVERVIEW: (3)

The Walt Disney company is one of the most diversify international entertainment company. They operate in many different sectors such as Disney media Network( broadcasting, cable, publishing…), Disney Parks and Resorts, The Walt Disney Studios (Movies, Music, TV), Disney Consumer Products (merchandising) and Disney Interactive (digital media platforms). Overall, all those segments have been added overtime. Furthermore, this corporation is established in a variety of Countries such as Japan, France, Australia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Romania and many others. However, this report will only focus on a section of The Walt Disney Studios as it will only explore the recent TV department news.

BUT WHERE DOES SUCH A MAJOR CORPORATION COMES FROM? (4)

Originally, this company was called Buena Vista Television Communications and was launched in September 1995. But the following year the company acquired Capital Cities Communications. In addition, in 2001, Disney/ Buena Vista Television group also acquired Saban entertainment and Fox Family Worldwide. And in 2002, the company changed its name to Disney/ABC Television Group. Additionally,today due to their collaboration with Apple, the company was the first to benefit from the hit TV series via Itunes.

EXECUTIVES: (5)

President ABC entertainment group – Paul Lee:

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Disney/ABC group – Peter Seymour:

President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide – Gary Marsh:

Executive Vice President, Global Communications, Disney ABC group – Kevin Brockman:

FIRST QUARTERLY REPORT OF 2012:

12% increase net income from the previous year. It rose to nearly 1.2 billion dollars with a revenue of 4.8 billion dollars. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley and Benjamin Swinburn, explained that it might be due to improvements in attraction parks. In addition, the parks revenues keep increasing and went up to 3.2 billion dollars for this quarter. (6) In addition, below you can see The Walt Disney company Quarterly Data Comparison. Overall, it can be said that this company main aspect is that, it is constant in term or revenues and net incomes.

Additionally, Disney/ABC consists of all the Walt Disney company and ABC branded Television properties; which includes ABC television network and ABC entertainment.

(7)

OVERALL, IT HAS ASSETS IN MANY INDUSTRIES: (8)

11 films and theaters: Touchstone Pictures, Lucas Films, and Walt Disney Pictures are some examples.
3 music groups: Disney music group, Walt Disney records and Hollywood records.
4 television groups: ESPN , Disney Junior, Disney ABC television group,and ABC-Owned television stations group.
Approximately 35 radios in Los Angeles, New york, Miami …
3 publishing groups: Hyperion Books, Disney Publishing Worldwide and ESPN the Magazine.
10 attraction parks/resorts in which include Vacation clubs, tourism, or Cruise line.
And other areas such as merchandising and technology for instance.

DISNEY/ABC MAIN COMPETITORS:

(9)

DISNEY/ABC TV SHOWS’ DIFFUSION, LATEST NEWS AND RELEASES.

ABC, ABC familly winter/spring TV diffusion: (10)

Modern Family, Comedy – Teenagers – TV show about a big family.
Grey’s Anatomy, Drama – Teenagers and Adults – TV show about the life in a hospital.
Once upon a time, Fantazy/Drama – Teenagers and Adults – TV show about an imaginary world.
Revenge, Drama – Teenagers and Adults – TV show about a young woman that wants to revenge her father.
Pretty Little Liars, Drama – Teenagers – Tv show about 5 girls in high school.

Disney Channel TV shows 2012-2013: (11)

Special episode of “Wizards of Waverly Place” on September 27. Comedy – Teenager- TV show on Wizards
On Disney Junior, on January 11th: “Sofia the first”. Cartoon – Kids – TV show on Princess
Order of thrid season of “A.N.T. Farm” October 2012. Sitcom – Kids – Comedy
Order of second season of “Dog with a Blog” on February 4th. Comedy – Teenagers – TV show about a Dog and a Family

IN ADDITION, SOME NEW RELEASES TOOK PLACE IN 2012.

For instance:

” Last resort “ American military drama TV show, put on air the 27th of September 2012 until January 14th 2013 as it was originally a 13-episodes run. It was created by Shawn Ryan and Karl Gajdusek. (12)

Actors: Andre Braugher, Scott Speedman and Daisy Betts. (13)

“666 Park Avenue”: Drama TV show that started September 30th, 2012 on ABC. It was created by David Wilcox and is about the tenants of a building in Manhattan NYC. (12)

Actors: Rachel Taylor, Dave Annable and Robert Buckley. (13)

“Nashville” : American musical drama TV show created by Callie Khouri. The serie first releases was on ABC, the 10 October 2012. Overall, the TV show is about two female singers trying to become stars. (12)

Actors: Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere and Clare Bowen. (13)

And the “Neighbors” is what is called a science fiction sitcom. The TV shows talks about a family living with an extraterrestrial community. The serie was created by Dan Fogelman. (12)

Actors: Dan Fogelman, Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger. (13)

HOWEVER, ABC AND DISNEY WILL ALSO HOST TV PREMIERES AND NEW SEASONS, THAT HAS OR WIILL BE RELEASED LATER IN 2013.

Red Widow – March 3rd 2013: Drama tv show created by Melissa Rosenberg. A thriller with the main character as a widow housewife trying to protect her family. (14)

Red Widow Trailer – Click here to Watch It.

Actors: Radha Mitchell, Sterling Beaumon and Goran Visnjic. (13)

Dancing with the stars – March 8th 2013. A dance competition that comes from the United Kingdom. It is currently its 16th season and is on the air since the summer of 2005. (14)

Dancing with the Stars Video – Click here to Watch It

Host: Tom Bergeron. (13)

Judges: Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Len Goodman.(13)

How to live with your parents (for the rest of your life) – April 3rd 2013. It was created by Claudia Lonow and, it talks about a young mother recently divorced. (14)

How to live with your Parents Trailer – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Sarah Chalke, Elizabeth Perkins and Rachel Eggleston. (13)

Family tools – May 1st 2013. Sitcom created by Bobby Bowman. Based on British sitcom called White Van Man and the story is about a man with no luck. (14)

Family tools trailer – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Chris Bruno and Sergio Enrique. (13)

Teen Beach Musical – Summer 2013. Tv show created by Jeffrey Hornaday and produced by Disney Channel. The story talks about a young women that likes surfing and has problems with her parents. (19)

Teen Beach Musical Trailer – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell and Grace Phipps. (13)

Code 9 – This summer. It is a reality TV show that does practical jokes with a hidden camera. (19)

Code 9 Video – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Andrew Knott, Heshima Thompson and Liam Boyle. (13)

Good luck Charlie – April 2013. TV show on Disney Channel created by Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen. It talks about a newborn baby coming in the family. (19)

Good luck Charlie Trailer – Click here to Watch It

Actors: Jason Dolley, Bridgit Mendler and Mia Talerico. (13)

LASTLY, THE CORPORATE NEWS RELATED TO DISNEY/ABC TELEVISION GROUP.

In November, They increased their cash dividend by 25%. (22)

In December, The corporation finally acquired completely LucasFilm. (22)

In February, Walt Disney released fiscal information about the first quarter of 2013. It was made on December 29th 2012. (22)

Revenues: $11,341 million. (23)
Net income: $1,382 million. (23)
Free cash flow: $599 million. (23)
Compared to the previous year: 5%, 6%, 46% increase respectively.(23)

In February, the company webcasted fiscal earnings results. (22)

In May, there will be the annual shareholders’ meeting. (22)

Furthermore, the main news related to the entire television corporation, was that in the fall of 2013, several television groups are going to launch programs for US-Hispanics, on their networks. (24)

REFERENCES:

http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/File:2000px-Disney-ABC_International_Television_logo.png
http://www.cjr.org/resources/?c=disney.
http://www.disneyinternational.com/.
http://combosaurus.com/interest/disney-abc-television-group.
http://www.disneyabctv.com/division/index_executives.shtml.
http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/2012-12-06/story/fantasyland-comes-life-magic-kingdom.
http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=13728276.
http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/competition.Disney-ABC_Television_Group.daa325c7c7ed5f02.html.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/02/disney-reports-first-quarter-2012-results.html.
http://www.hypable.com/2012/12/17/winterspring-2013-tv-schedule-see-when-your-favorite-shows-will-return/.
http://www.deadline.com/tag/disney-channel/.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/11/abc-shows-fall-tv-2012-2013_n_1581796.html.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2197797/fullcredits.
http://www.allyourscreens.com/index.php/features2/73-2013-tv-premiere-and-finale-dates.
http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/05/upfronts-2012-first-look-at-abcs-red-widow/.
http://reality-tv.findthebest.com/q/45/1544/When-did-Dancing-with-the-Stars-start.
http://www.telechargementz.org/video/series/vf/583548-code-9-saison-01-french-e01-df.html.
http://kinobastion.ru/trejler-the-family-tools-data-vyxoda-seriala/.
http://kidscreen.com/2012/03/13/disney-reveals-programming-slate/.
http://mynewanimatedlife.blogspot.com/2013/02/teen-beach-musical-il-nuovo-disney.html.
http://hookedonhouses.net/2011/05/02/the-duncans-denver-home-on-disneys-good-luck-charlie/.
http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/.
http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/sites/default/files/press-releases/pdfs/q1-fy13-earnings.pdf.
http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/05/upfronts-2012-first-look-at-abcs-how-to-live-with-your-parents-for-the-rest-of-your-life/.

Discovery Communications

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jasmine White

by Jasmine White

The World’s #1 Nonfiction Media Company [2]

One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 240.662.2000/ http://corporate.discovery.com/

Overview

Discovery Communications[1] entered the media sphere as a single channel, The Discovery Channel. After acquiring its rival, The Learning Channel in 1991, it would go on to enter a series of acquisitions that have earned the corporation notoriety as the world’s number one media company. Discovery is currently a publicly owned company and trades on the NASDAQ stock market. It currently reaches more than 1.8 billion subscribers in 218 countries and territories. Moreover, Discovery is proud to be a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns a diverse portfolio of digital media services.

[1]

Leadership [3]

Photo of John S. Hendricks John S. Hendricks is the founder of Discovery and serves as Executive Chairman. Hendricks wanted to provide viewers with quality documentaries that would allow them to explore their world. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Primetime Emmy Award, the Governors Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Photo of Robert R. Beck Robert R. Beck has been Discovery’s Financial Consultant since 2001 and is a member of the compensation committee.

Photo of J. David Wargo J. David Wargo is the Director of Discovery, chairman of the Nominating Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.

Photo of Steven A. Miron Steven A. Miron is the Director of Discovery Communications and a member of the Nominating Committee.

Finances [4]

February 14, Discovery lost 33 percent of its net income in the fourth-quarter, dropping its income to $224 million, or 61 cents per share. Analysts were expecting 76 cents per share.

The company attributed the decline to a rise in taxes, equity-based compensation and costs due to its acquisitions. Total revenue rose 8 percent to $1.2 billion, in line with analysts’ expectations. Discovery forecast 2013 revenue of $5.58 billion to $5.70 billion. Analysts are expecting $5.43 billion.

Executives are relying on key partnerships and programming like Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. They say that the high-profile and expensive joint venture is on track. Despite the success of OWN and ventures like it, Discovery generally makes 33 percent less money on advertising than rivals.

Oprah’s Interview with Lance Armstrong

Discovery continues to make innovative deals to supplement its income. December 14, the corporation officially closed the deal with ProSieben[5]. ProSieben has a total enterprise value of $1.7 billion. Discovery now has 12 companies in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, strengthening its connection in the Nordic markets. The transaction also included 19 radio stations, including the #1 radio portfolio in Sweden.

December was an eventful month for Discovery; the corporation announced a strategic alliance with TF1/Eurosport (Eurosport International and Eurosport France) [6], acquiring a 20 percent minority interest. Eurosport reaches 130 million subscribers in 59 countries across Europe. The alliance also garnered Discovery stock in France (TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushuaia TV and Stylia).

Product

[7]

Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel, launched June 17, 1985 is one of the most widely distributed cable networks in the United States. It is dedicated to creating innovative and quality nonfiction content. The genres include science, history, adventure and the like. Popular series include Deadliest Catch, MythBusters and Frozen Planet. The targeted audience is 25-54, particularly men and reaches 100 million U.S. households; 314 million international subscribers.

Myth Busters ‘Walking on Water

[8]

TLC

TLC(The Learning Channel) offers globally recognized programming that focuses on unique storytelling. Acquired by Discovery in May of 1991, it has succeeded in becoming the top 10 cable network for women. In 2001, TLC had 28 unique television series, averaging one million viewers per episode. Some of the most popular shows include, Sister Wives, Toddlers & Tiaras, 19 Kids, What Not To Wear and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. Currently, 99 million U.S. households and 201 million international homes subscribe to TLC.

[9]

[10]

Animal Planet

Animal Planet, launched October 1, 1996, is the only channel to fully immerse viewers in the Animal Kingdom. Viewership has been up 18% since January 2012, bringing in 97 million U.S. and 275 million international subscribers. The target audience reached are adults 25-54. Viewers enjoy television shows like Whale Wars, River Monsters, Fatal Attractions, Finding Bigfoot, Pit Bulls and Parolees and Dogs 101.

[10]

Discovery Famila

Discovery Famila, launched August 2007, garners 4 million U.S subscribers. It introduces educational and entertaining, family-oriented programming to kids and families in the Spanish language. Daytime programming is geared toward preschoolers’ by offering fun and educational Spanish-language content that will preserve their native language. Evenings offer family-friendly series and specials and aspirational lifestyle content for women and families, including programs on cooking, dining, travel, design, beauty, health and parenting.

Newsroom

January 08, 2013 [10]

Successful Holiday Programming Events and Slate of Network Movie Premieres Drive Strong New Year Start for The Hub TV Network

The Hub Network, owned by Discovery, had a solid jumpstart on the New Year. The network introduced a steady flow of holiday marathons, followed by original Hub TV Network original programming. It delivered significant year-over-year audience growth reaching all key target demographics including Kids 2-11 (+63%), Kids 6-11 (+56%), Women 18-49 (+69%), Adults 18-49 (+50%), Persons 2+ (+67%) and Households (+52%).

January 14, 2013 [11]

Discovery Communications Acquires Switchover Media

Discovery acquired 100 percent of Switchover Media, an Italian media company that owns four free-to-air television channels and one pay-TV television channel in Italy. This new deal has made Discovery the third largest broadcaster in Italy in terms of collective audience share. Italy is the leading market for Discovery and key to its growth over the last two years. The acquisition of Switchover Media adds further breadth and scale and also diversifies Discovery’s portfolio to include scripted crime and children’s programming.

March 28, 2013 [12]

Revision3 Launches Robust App for Xbox 360

Revision3, A Discovery Digital Video network, announced the launch of its app for the Xbox 360® video game. Xbox LIVE Gold members in the U.S., Canada and Australia can install the new Revision3 app from the Xbox LIVE® marketplace*. Fans of Revision3 content can now watch their favorite shows. There are thousands of unique shows, including Rev3Games, Film Riot and more. Revision3 allows subscribers to view the content on their television, tablet, game station, phone, or a traditional laptop.

Sources

7. Discovery Channel Logo

Viacom Inc.

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Yarmine Fernandez

By Yarmine Fernandez

Current Viacom Inc. Logo. Image courtesy of
http://techandscience.com/techblog/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=3354

Contact Information

Viacom Inc.
1515 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
(212) 258-6000

CONNECT WITH VIACOM

Top Senior Management Executives

Image courtesy of http://trialx.com/
celebritie//2012/10/17/
philippe-dauman-pictures/

Philippe Dauman
President and Chief Executive Officer

Image courtesy of http://money.cnn.com/
galleries/2010/fortune/
1009/gallery.
women_men_highest_
pay.fortune/21.html

Thomas E. Dooley
Chief Operating Officer

Image courtesy of http://mtvema. mtvnimages.com/2011/ images/press/exec-bios/ Bob-Bakish.jpg?width=400&quality=0.91

Robert Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer Viacom International Media Networks

Top Board of Directors

Image of courtesy http://money.cnn.com
/2007/08/23/ news/newsmakers
/100172390.fortune/

Sumner M. Redstone
Executive Chairman of the Board and Founder

Image courtesy of http://www.holly
wood reporter.com/lists/
shari-redstone-396263

Shari Redstone
Non-Executive Vice Chair of the Board

To learn more about Top Senior Management & Board of Directors click here [1].

Its Beginnings: The Seventies

1976 Viacom Inc. Logo
Image courtesy of
http://www.retrojunk.com
/article/show/451/
production-logos
-from-hell

The Central Broadcasting System established Viacom Inc. in the 1970s as compliance to the Federal Communications Commission. It wasn’t until June 4, 1971 that Viacom Inc. finalized the split from CBS, in which its stocks were distributed among stockholders. Even though Viacom Inc. split from CBS, it had about 90,000 cable subscribers making it one of the largest cable operators in the United States. By 1973, the number had increased to 7.5 million subscribers but this opened the gates for FCC regulations. In addition to FCC regulations, Viacom Inc. faced competition from companies such as HBO (Home Box Office), a subsidiary of Timer Warner Inc .

The Raging Eighties

The 1980s for Viacom Inc. were characterized by growth through joint ventures with Warner Communications Inc. and Warner Amex Cable Communications Inc. and the acquirement of MTV Networks. MTV Networks included Nickelodeon and VH-1 at the time. By the end of the 80s, Viacom Inc. owned five television stations, fourteen cable franchises, and nine radio stations. One of the radio stations they purchased was WLAK-FM, a Chicago based station.

The Tumultuous Nineties

The end of the eighties and the early nineties were marked with a law suit between Viacom Inc. specifically Showtime and HBO. Viacom Inc. got the better half of the suit as Time Warner Inc. was forced to pay them $75 million. By far, one of the greatest achievements for Viacom Inc. during the nineties was when they purchased Paramount Pictures Communications Inc. completing a $9.9 billion merger with the company.

For full history click here [2] or for history timeline click here [3].

Image courtesy of http://www.deadline.com/
2012/08/viacom-overpaid-
sumnerredstone
-ceo-coo-millions-shareholde
r-lawsuit-claims/

Company Overview

Image courtesy of http://daytontribune.com
/nickelodeon-boasts-the
-top-three-entertainment
-telecasts-for-the-quarter-
and-breaks-rating-record/75215/

Viacom Inc. is one of the largest global leading media companies with diverse audiences everywhere. Viacom Inc. primarily operates in Media Networks and Filmed Entertainment. The Media Networks provide entertainment content and branded products for its audiences while the Filmed Entertainment produces motion pictures. On a international scale, Viacom Inc. reaches about 700 million households. Viacom Inc. successfully targets a large demographics through the various channel platforms they own. For example, by owning Nickelodeon, Viacom Inc. has a large children population.

Some of the Media Networks Include:

Some of the Filmed Entertainment Segments:

Paramount Pictures
MTV Films
Nickelodeon Movies
Home Entertainment

For general information about these networks/segments click here [4].

Paramount Pictures

Image courtesy of http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mission-impossible-ghost-protocol-paramount-anniversary-logo-273798

The establishment of Paramount Pictures Inc. can be contributed to Adolph Zukor, Jesse L. Lasky and Cecil B. DeMille. The year 2012 marks the 100th year anniversary for Paramount Pictures Inc. making it one of the oldest motion pictures company in the United States. Paramount Pictures Inc. has been successful in launching revolutionary motion pictures such as The Godfather, and Chinatown. For the year 2013, a Paramount Pictures Inc. movie, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters made the top ten in the box office resulting in a profit of $50.2 million.

Image courtesy of http://www.imdb.
com/title/tt1428538/

For more information click here [5].

“Right Here, Right Now”

Financials
Viacom Inc. seems to be stable financially. Currently, their revenues are about 3314.0 USD while their earnings per share are 0.92909 USD. However, for the year 2013 their operating income decreased from 22% to $797 million and $461 million due to
low revenues in the Filmed Entertainment and a decline in Media Networks advertising revenues. The decline in the Filmed Entertainment revenues was due to its theatrical releases, Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol (2011) and Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). In addition, their debts increased from $8.15 billion to $8.39 billion in the months of September, November, and December. In response to these financial updates, Sumner M. Redstone stated “Viacom continues to build on its impressive global portfolio of movies, television programming and digital content. Philippe leads a talented executive and creative team at Viacom, and I am fully confident that by investing in new hits we will continue to build our outstanding brands” [6].

Viacom Inc. still continues to battle their debts issues. On March 11, 2013, they agreed to sell $300,000 million of the principal amount due >> To continue reading click here [7].

Media Networks:

Image courtesy of http://www.webtvwire.
com/watch-wendell-vinnie-full-episodes
-online-season-1-video-streaming
-torrent-search/

Not too long ago, Viacom Inc. launched a new show through Nickelodeon. The show is a comedy series called “Wendell & Vinnie,” which premiered on Sunday, February 17th 2013.

For the full article click here [8].

Also the cable network, VH1 plans to launch three shows premiering this upcoming April.

“The Gossip Game,” premiering Monday, April 1st is a show based in New York City, where seven women are trying to make it in the media entertainment industry.
Following “The Gossip Game,” the third new season of “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle” will premiere on Monday, April 8th. The show is based on rap megastar T.I. “Tip” Harris and his family.
Last but not least, VH1 plans to launch on Sunday, April 21st, “I’m Married To A…”A documentary series whose focus will be on unusual situations that brings couples together.

For the full story click here [9].

Filmed Entertainment:

For the Film Entertainment segment, Paramount Pictures Inc. is currently working on sixteen new upcoming releases, seven of which will be premiering during this year and the rest in 2014.

Movie Title (click to view)	Date
Pain and Gain	4/26/13
Star Trek Into Darkness	5/17/13
World War Z	6/21/13

For the complete list click here [10].

What’s Cooking Within the Corporation

An important update for Viacom Inc. this year is the election of two new members that will serve on the Board of Directors. Cristiana Falcone Sorrell, one of the new members is the Senior Advisor at the World Economic Forum and Deborah Norville is a two-time Emmy winner, who is best recognized as a TV journalist. As a result of these two new members, Viacom Inc. will now have thirteen members as part of their Board of Directors.

For the full article click here [11].

Cablevision vs. Viacom Inc.

Another story that has had the spotlight are the tensions that have been brewing up between Cablevision and Viacom Inc. Cablevision is suing Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central, claiming that Viacom Inc. is forcing cable operators to carry low-rated networks. Cablevision has been trying to control the rising subscriber fees by denying some of the networks that are not getting the best ratings.

For the full gossip click here [12].

What About Them Video Music Awards?

History will be made this year as MTV will be bringing the Video Music Awards to Brooklyn, New York on Sunday, August 25th 2013. The VMAs will be taking place in the Barclay Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets >> To continue reading click here [13].

References

[1] Viacom Inc. Senior Management. http://www.viacom.com/aboutviacom/Pages/seniormanagement.aspx

[2] Viacom Inc. History. http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/viacom-inc-history/

[3] Viacom Inc. History. http://www.viacom.com/aboutviacom/Pages/history.aspx

[4] Viacom Media Networks. http://www.viacom.com/ourbrands/medianetworks/Pages/default.aspx

[5] Paramount Pictures. http://www.paramount.com

[6] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=737032

[7] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=747213

[8] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=734118

[9] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=742024

[10] Box Office Mojo Paramount Pictures Upcoming Releases. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/schedule/?view=distributor&id=paramount.htm

[11] Viacom News. http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=750158