Discovery Communications

By Erin Qiu, Ryan Wagner
discovery-communications[1] Discovery Communications logo

DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

One Discovery Place

Silver Spring, MD 20910

240-662-2000

OVERVIEW

John Hendrick found Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI), a global mass media and entertainment company based in Maryland, in 1985 [2]. The company first started with a single channel, The Discovery Channel, and later offered non-fiction programming through its network entertainment brands including The Learning Channel (TLC), Animal Planet, Science and Turbo/Velocity, Discovery Education, Investigation Discovery, OWN:Oprah Winfrey Network, and Eurosport. The company’s programs can be mainly separated into three types: Nonfiction, Sports, and Kids. DCI explores science fields, inspiring and entertaining people with its content. It also produces educational programs and services to schools. DCI in global entertainment reaches 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories [3].

tlc_logo    animal-planet-logo  science-channel-logoblack-transparent  turbo velocity  discovery-education  investigation-discovery  own  eurosport
   [4] TLC         [5] Animal Planet [6]Science Channel  (7)Turbo         (8)Velocity    (9)Discovery Education (10)Investigation Discovery (11)OWN:Oprah Winfrey Network (12)Eurosport

KEY EXECUTIVES

Discovery Communications is made up of an executive board that oversees all functions of the company [13]. The President and Chief Executive Officer, David M. Zaslav, also acts as Director and member of the Executive Committee and the President and CEO of Discovery Communications Holdings LLC. Zaslay makes a salary of $10,610,000, while Andrew Warren, the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer makes about $2,530,000 [14].

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Discovery Communications is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange in Series A under the ticket name DISCA. On November 29, 2016, the closing price per share was $27.65. Over the previous 52 weeks, Discovery Communications has marked its highest sale price at $31.39 and its lowest sale price at $23.66 [15]. Over the past two years, DCI has noticed a decline in stock. While this drop in stock price occurred back in 2014, the company has since seen stabilization.

2 Year Overview of Stock Prices for DSCA

[16] 2 Year Overview of Stock Prices for DSCA

Much of Discovery Communication’s revenues are made possible through distribution fees charged for their services. Additional revenues are generated through consumer advertising, with national options for purchasing ad slots either upfront or in scatter markets. In fact, in 2015, distribution made up 48% of their revenue, while advertising made up 47%, leaving 5% due to other revenue [17].

In their 2016 third quarterly report, Discovery Communications identifies a 22% decrease in net income since last year’s third quarter, dropping funds from $279,000,000 to $219,000,000. Due to currency changes, DCI’s International Networks saw a decrease of 16% which was not offset by the domestic increase in network of 3%, unfortunately.

  INDUSTRY

Since its foundation in 1985 as a simple channel, DCI gradually expanded itself and established its New World Headquarters in Maryland in 2003 [18]. During these years, DCI added a second network by acquiring The Learning Channel (TLC) from Financial News Network Inc. (FNN) [19]. It also launched network’s website (Discover.com), and created channels for Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery News, and partnered with Global Education to launch the Nonprofit Discovery Channel. With all these achievements, DCI became the World’s Most Widely Distributed Television Brand in 2001. After 2003, DCI continued launching networks including Discovery Education in 2004, its first First-Free-to-Air Channel in 2006, and Investigation Discovery in 2008, and teamed up with Oprah for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in 2011 [20]. In 2008, the owners of Discovery Communications, Advance/Newhouse and Discovery Holding combined their stakes and began trading as a public company on the NASDAQ stock exchange [21]. As DCI built partnerships and made investments in the U.S., it also paved the way to international partnerships and investments as well.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND INVESTMENTS

DCI has established its mighty international networks throughout the years since 1989 when it launched the Discovery Channel in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia [22]. Discovery Networks International includes five regional operations and covers all major cable and satellite markets, which includes the Asia-Pacific region, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America/U.S. (Hispanic), Northern Europe, and Southern Europe. In each of these regions, DCI distributes an average of 10 channels in every market. Discovery Networks International not only offers customized schedules, but also programs in 45 languages worldwide via 352 distribution feeds [23]. Between 2014 and 2016, DCI has announced partnerships with several companies. In 2014, DCI launched the digital studio New Form with Brian Grazer and Ron Howard [24], and the same year, it acquired All3Media with Liberty Global [25]. In 2015, Liberty Global and Discovery Communications made a joint investment in Lionsgate and acquired stake in the company [26].

CURRENT PROJECTS

In August 2016, DCI and Liberty Global renewed their distribution agreement, a long-term deal that allows DCI to distribute its programs across 12 countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland and the UK in Europe. The agreement also encompasses digital rights which enable viewers to watch programs anywhere [27].

Eurosport has also obtained the rights to distribute all matches of the Wimbledon tennis tournament live in an additional 16 countries for the next three years, 2017 to 2019, by extending the deal with The All England Club. The deal includes both TV and digital rights. A new deal has also been agreed upon that allows Eurosport to present all four Grand Slams: Wimbledon, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, and the US Open [28].

In October 2016, DCI announced a partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that conserves an almost one million acres of land for tigers in India and Bhutan. The project, Project C.A.T. (Conservation Acres for Tigers), tries to protect and increase the wild tiger population, and allows rangers to better observe wild tigers’ health and collect data. DCI would also produce and distribute public service announcements and in-program content that bound with Project C.A.T., in the purpose of raising public awareness. DCI is planning to air a new documentary about tigers on its global networks in 2018 [29].

cat[30] Project C.A.T.

FUTURE PROJECTS


In 2005, DCI gained the rights to distribute the four Oympic Games in the 2018-2024 period in Europe on all TV and all platforms, including free-to-air television, subscription/pay-TV television, internet and mobile phone in all languages across 50 countries and territories on the European continent [31]. However, DCI has to agree upon on the requirements by The International Olympic Committee (ICO) and local market to broadcast a minimum of 200 hours of the Olympic Games and 100 hours of the winter Games of free-on-air television during the Games period [32].

  20150629_CMBroadcaster Signature      olympic1
 [33][34]International Olympic Committee Awards All TV and Multiplatform 
Broadcast Rights in Europe to Discovery and Eurosport for 2018-2024 
Olympic Games

DCI made a $100 million investment and entered into a strategic partnership witn Group Nine Media. The Group Nine Media Company is a new media holding company, consisting of Thrillist Media Group, NowThis Media, The Dodo, and Discovery’s digital network Seeker. The goal is to create one of the world’s largest digital-first content companies. The brand, Media Nine Group, not only allows each individual companies to remain independent but also enables the companies to support one another. The content studio and Thrillist’s sales team, The Colab will combine with NowThis Studios, The Dodo, and Seeker’s combined content team to create a major advertising solutions group across all the new brands. The company will also combine technology capabilities to create a publishing platform to power all brands. A new video department will be generated that will be responsible for creating OTT/on-demand and linear TV programming across all properties [35].

SOURCES

[1] Discovery Communications Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[2] Our History. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[3] Investor Relations. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[4] TLC Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[5] Animal Planet Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[6] Science Channel Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[7] Turbo Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[8] Velocity Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[9] Discovery Education Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[10] Investigation Discovery Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[11] OWN:Oprah Winfery Network Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[12] Eurosport Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[13] Leadership. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[14] Key Executives. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[15] Summary. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[16] 2 Year Overview of Stock Price for DSCA. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[17] 2015 Annual Report. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[18] Our History. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[19] Associated Press (April 2nd 1991). THE MEDIA BUSINESS; Discovery to Buy a Channel. The New York Times. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[20] Our History. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[21] Discovery to combine stakes in Discovery Communications with Advance/Newhouse (December 13th 2007). CNNMoney. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[22] Our History. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[23] Businesses & Brands. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[24] Jarvey, Natalie (April 2nd 2014). Brain Grazer, Ron Howard Launch ‘New Form’ Digital Studio With Discovery. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[25] Newsroom. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[26] James, Meg and Faughnder, Ryan (November 10th 2015). Lionsgate sells 6.8% stake to John Malone’s Liberty Global and Discovery. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[27] Briel, Robert (August 2nd 2016). Liberty Global and Discovery sign 12-market carriage deal. Broadband YV News. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[28] Dickens, Andrew (March 8th 2016). Eurosport serves Wimbledon further. C21Media. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[29] Paul, Jonathan (October 19th 2016). Discovery, WWF partner for Project C.A.T. Realscreen. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[30] Project C.A.T. Logo. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[31] Press Release (June 29th 2015). IOC AWAEDS ALL TV AND MULTIPLATFORM BROADCAST RIGHTS IN EUROPE TO DISCOVERY AND EUROSPORT FOR 2018-2024 OLYMPIC GAMES. Olympics. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[32] BBC and Discovery Communications sign long-term Olympics Games partnership (February 2nd 2016). BBC. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[33] International Olympic committee Awards All TV and Multiplatform Broadcast Rights in Europe to Discovery and Eurosport for 2018-2024 Olympic Games. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[34] International Olympic committee Awards All TV and Multiplatform Broadcast Rights in Europe to Discovery and Eurosport for 2018-2024 Olympic Games. Google Images. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

[35] Newsroom. Discovery Communications. Retrieved: November 29th 2016.

Time Warner

Lizzie Michael and Andrew Maercklein
Time Warner, Inc. logo

Time Warner, Inc. logo [1]

Time Warner, Inc.

One Time Warner Center
New York, NY 10019-8016
212-484-8000

Company

Time Warner, Inc. is an entertainment and media conglomerate whose works and influence reaches all over the world. First created in 1989 in a $14 billion merger between Time, Inc. and Warner Communications, Time Warner now owns magazines such as Time, People, and Sports Illustrated; HBO, The CW, and Cinemax, as well as the Turner Broadcasting System, which in turn holds networks such as TBS, CNN and Cartoon Network; DC Comics; and one of the world’s largest production companies, Warner Brothers Entertainment. [2] [3].

Some of Time Warner's assets. [4]

Some of Time Warner’s assets. [4]

The company has undergone a few trouble spots in the past, including a $164 deal with AOL in the year 2000. [5]. The deal, which eventually proved to be misguided and led to major financial losses in 2002, was said to be “the biggest mistake in corporate history” by current CEO and Chairman Jeff Bewkes. [6]. That being said, Time Warner has since rebouded and is currently enjoying success from several of its assets, including HBO and Warner Brothers, and is looking forward to the completion of an acquisition, with a total transaction value of
$108.7 billion, with AT&T. [7].

Who are some key executives?

Financial information

Time Warner is a publicly traded company on the NYSE under the ticket TWX. As of 11/17/16, their current stock price is $93.20, as compared to one of their primary competitors, Walt Disney Co., who is at $98.82. [9]. On Oct. 27 the company announced cash dividends for Common Stock at $0.4025 per share, with a record date of Nov. 30. and a payment date of Dec. 15. [10] [11]. Thanks in part to the AT&T announcement, Time Warner’s stock has been on the upswing, having increased nearly 22.07% since April 2016; additionally, about 67% of analysts covering Warner’s stock rate this as a good time to buy. [11].

TW revenues and earnings per share [12]

TW revenues and earnings per share [12]

In Warner’s 3rd quarter reports for 2016, total revenues for Turner, HBO, and Warner Broadcasting combined were at more than $7 billion, and there was an increase of $153 million in cash and cash equivalents. [13]. With the recently released Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and HBO’s Westworld recently having success, revenues from ticket sales and merchandising for Time Warner can be expected to increase in 2016’s 4th quarter, and should give the company a strong year-end yield. [14].

Warner Brothers

Warner Bros. Logo [14]

Warner Bros. Logo [15]

Warner Bros., which was founded in 1923 and notably produced the first “talkie” in 1927’s The Jazz Singer, is one of the largest production companies in the world, with both New Line Cinema and DC Films in its toolbox. [16]. In 2015, Warner Bros.’ worldwide box office receipts exceeded $3 billion for the ninth consecutive year ($3.71 billion worldwide), and saw both international and domestic reaching the billions. [17].

[18]

The company houses several major franchises, including the Matrix series, the Harry Potter Franchise, and the world of DC Comics. In 2016 alone, multiple films were released to massive success, including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Sully, Suicide Squad, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemSuicide Squad was in theaters for an impressive 14 weeks and earned more than $700 million worldwide, while Fantastic Beasts has been open for less than two weeks and has already made nearly $500 million. [19] [20].

This success will likely carry into 2017, as Wonder Woman, Justice League, and two more animated Lego movies are all slated for wide release. [21].

Machinima's logo [23].

Machinima’s logo [22]

In news besides its releases, Warner Bros. also recently announced it will acquire Machinima, a “global programming service and production company” with a focus on gamer culture. [23]. The deal, which was estimated to be just slightly under $100 million, will allow Machinima to be its own entity within the Warner Bros. Digital Networks. [24].

HBO

HBO logo [31]

HBO logo [31]

Home Box Office, or HBO, is one of Time Warner’s most successful divisions. In terms of its financial performance, in the 2016 third quarter HBO’s revenues increased 4%, or $59 million, to $1.4 billion due to a 5% increase in subscription revenues. [12].

HBO’s content has gone over incredibly well with viewers. HBO took home 22 Primetime Emmys at the 2016 Emmy Awards, the most of any other network for the 15th year in a row. [12] [29]. Shows such as Veep, Game of Thrones, and Last Night with John Oliver all have loyal fan bases, while newcomer Westworld premiered in October 2016 to more than 13 million viewers. [12].

In other news, HBO just recently launched a new video streaming service in Spain, HBO España, that is expected to very well. The service offers both original HBO content, as well as films and programming from other networks as well, like Disney, Nickelodeon, and other Spanish programming. [30].

AT&T Merger

Click here for AT&T and Time Warner Merger (Video): http://nyti.ms/2exY5SK [27]

AT&T is looking to purchase Time Warner, Inc. in a $85 billion deal, and despite many setbacks, AT&T is confident the deal will go through. [25]. Were the FCC to oversee this deal, the time frame would have been elongated and the deal itself would be much less likely to go into effect. However, it is likely the deal will not be subject to the tight restrictions set by the FCC, as the FCC may be excluded from the process and the decision will be made by the Department of Justice. Randall L. Stephenson, the CEO of AT&T, is very optimistic regarding this scenario and said this deal will satisfy not only those looking for earnings growth, but also investors that are simply searching for income. [27]. However, this deal will cause AT&T to push its debt upwards of $190 billion. [27]. The average user of DirecTV Now will pay $35 per month, which translates to $1.32 gross margin, and despite an apparent lack of funding, there are expected to be approximately 15 million paid subscribers by 2020. [26].

AT&T logo []

AT&T logo [28]

Many investors are skeptical of the deal and doubt the level of success predicted by AT&T. AT&T, being the only company of its competitors to move in this direction, will be able to corner a large section of the market before anyone else. Through securing customers with a low price now, AT&T hopes to attract many more consumers in the future while still being able to raise the price of service as necessary. [26]. Furthermore, AT&T wants to boost their wireless business in an attempt to take back some of the market from other wireless companies. They plan to do this by allowing wireless users to watch DirecTV without using data. This is known as zero-rating and it’s frowned upon by the FCC because it would allow for AT&T to reduce competition, especially among its own assets. [25]. Between the low prices as well as other incentives to switch, AT&T is focused on increasing its consumer following as opposed to generating revenue. Revenue will theoretically be the focus after AT&T has accrued a mass following. In addition, it’s predicted there will be less subscription cancellations as well as a large boost in advertising revenue. [25]. Should the deal be successful, it will be one of the largest to date and will push AT&T further ahead of competitors. Should the deal not be approved, or even fail, AT&T will have to tread very carefully to avoid serious damage to the company’s finances, as well as the integrity of the company.

 [27]

Resources

[1] Time Warner Cables Customer Service Phone Number, Office Address, Toll Free Helpline Support. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.officeaddresshelplinenumber.com/time-warner-cables-customer-service-phone-number-office-address-toll-free-helpline-support/

[2] The Creator of Time Warner, Steven J. Ross, Is Dead at 65. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/21/obituaries/the-creator-of-time-warner-steven-j-ross-is-dead-at-65.html

[3] Top 3 Companies Owned By Time Warner (TWX). Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102215/top-3-companies-owned-time-warner.asp

[4] Company Profile. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.timewarner.com/company

[5] Statistics on Mergers. Retrieved November 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20120106045040/http://www.imaa-institute.org/statistics-mergers-acquisitions.html

[6] AOL merger was ‘the biggest mistake in corporate history’, believes Time Warner chief Jeff Bewkes. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/media/8031227/AOL-merger-was-the-biggest-mistake-in-corporate-history-believes-Time-Warner-chief-Jeff-Bewkes.html

[7] AT&T to Acquire Time Warner. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://about.att.com/story/att_to_acquire_time_warner.html

[8] Senior Corporate Executives. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.timewarner.com/company/management/senior-corporate-executives

[9] TWX: NY. Retrieved November 27, 2016. https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/TWX:US

[10] Time Warner Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/2016/10/27/time-warner-declares-regular-quarterly-cash-dividend

[11] Dividend Action: Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) advises to “Mark your calendars” for Dec 15, 2016; dividends expected to reach $0.40. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://friscofastball.com/2016/11/27/dividend-action-time-warner-inc-nysetwx-advises-to-mark-your-calendars-for-dec-15-2016-dividends-expected-to-reach-0-40/

[12] Time Warner Inc. Revenue & Earnings Per Share (EPS). Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/twx/revenue-eps

[13] Earnings Releases & Related Materials. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://ir.timewarner.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=70972&p=quarterlyearnings

[14] Weekend Box Office: November 25-27, 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

[15] Warner Bros. Logo Design Evolution. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://annyas.com/screenshots/warner-bros-logo/

[16] Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://www.warnerbros.com/studio/divisions/warner-bros-entertainment-inc

[17] Warner Bros. Pictures. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://www.warnerbros.com/studio/divisions/warner-bros-pictures

[18] Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Final Trailer [HD]. Retrieved November 28, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vso5o11LuGU

[19] Box Office Mojo: Suicide Squad. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=dc2016.htm

[20] Box Office Mojo: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=fantasticbeasts.htm

[21] Warner Bros., Quietly Thriving, Recasts Its Own Story. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/08/business/media/warner-bros-quietly-thriving-recasts-its-own-story.html

[22] Machinima. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://www.machinima.com/

[23] Warner Bros. Entertainment to Acquire Machinima. Retrieved November 28, 2016.  http://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/warner-bros-entertainment-acquire-machinima

[24] Warner Bros. Acquires Full Control of Machinima. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/warner-bros-acquires-machinima-1201920793/

[25] McAlone, Nathan. “Here’s Why AT&T Is Buying Time Warner, and Why It Thinks the Government Can’t Stop the Sale.” Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 15 Nov. 2016. Web. 28 Nov. 2016. http://www.businessinsider.com/att-time-warner-merger-government-regulation-2016-11

[26] Molla, Rani, and Shira Ovide. “AT&T Plays It Forward.” Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg, 23 Nov. 2016. Web. 28 Nov. 2016. https://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2016-11-23/at-t-wants-digital-video-share-with-direct-tv-now

[27] Morgenson, Gretchen. “The AT&T-Time Warner Merger: A Match Built on Hope.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 Oct. 2016. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/30/business/the-att-time-warner-merger-a-match-built-on-hope.html?_r=0

[28] LLC, UnderConsideration. “Reviewed.” Brand New: New Logo and Identity for AT&T by Interbrand. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.  http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/new_logo_and_identity_for_att_by_interbrand.php#.WDyz-6IrL_Q

[29] How FX Broke HBO’s Grip on the Emmy Awards. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://fortune.com/2016/09/19/emmy-awards-2016-hbo-fx/

[30] HBO Launches in Spain, Adds Content from Disney, Nickelodeon. Retrieved November 28, 2016. http://variety.com/2016/biz/global/hbo-espana-spain-disney-nickelodeon1201927778-1201927778/

[31] HBO Logos. Retrieved November 28, 2016. https://www.homeboxoffice.com/lodging/cmp/logos.html

Time Warner Cable

by Dan Watson

 

Key Executives (13)

 

Robert D. Marcus Chairman and CEO

Robert D. Marcus
Chairman and CEO

Arthur T. Minson, Jr. EVP and CFO

Arthur T. Minson, Jr.
EVP and CFO

Dinesh C. Jain COO

Dinesh C. Jain
COO

Ellen M. East EVP and CCO

Ellen M. East
EVP and CCO

 

Contact (14)

One Time Warner Center

New York, NY 10019-8016

212-484-8000

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

History

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

About The Company

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

Financials

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

The Comcast, Time Warner Cable Merger

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

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

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

Sources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time Warner Cable Leadership, DR 11/28/14

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

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

Time Warner Cable Contacts, DR 11/28/14

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

Time Warner Cable Logo, DR 11/30/14

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

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

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

TWC Triple Play Image, DR 11/30/14

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

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

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

Obama On Net Neutrality

Twitter

By Sona Kim
Twitter Logo

Twitter Logo [1]

1355 Market Street
Suite 900
San Francisco, CA 94103

Executives:

costolo

Dick Costolo – CEO [2]

rowghani3

Ali Rowghani – COO [3]

gupta

Mike Gupta – CFO [4]

bain

Adam Bain – President of Global                     Revenue [5]

 

Company Profile

Twitter is a micro blogging and social networking platform where users can read and send tweets limited to 140 characters. It is currently the tenth most popular website worldwide and boasted 232 million users in this quarter alone. Over 500 million Tweets are sent everyday and 76% of active users are on mobile. [6] Looking at a US demographic, 16% of US adults use Twitter and one in ten adults get their news from Twitter. [7]

Twitter Demographics

Twitter Demographics [19]

History

Twitter was initially part of a podcasting firm called Odeo and became its own company in 2007. The company expanded its user base immensely during the 2007 SXSW Conference after successfully placing two plasma screens that streamed Twitter messages. [8] In 2010, Twitter announced that they would offer paid advertising, or “promoted tweets” which has become a major revenue stream for the company.

Sponsored Ad Example [20]

Financial Snapshot

According to newly filed financial documents, Twitter has a net loss $133.8 million this year compared to a $70.7 million loss in 2012. However, their advertising profits are quickly rising as the company collected $168.6 million in third quarter, for a total of $422 million in total revenue. [9] Twitter’s research and development costs are also growing immensely as the company believes these investments will turn into profit. R&D costs have increased a whopping 153% from last year alone.

Advertisements accounted for 85% of revenue in 2012 and this has increased to 89% in 2013. Another form of revenue for the company is data licensing, which allows clients to access user tweets and data. Twitter has made $47.3 million from selling user data in 2013, which is a 36.3% increase from last year. [10]

Nielsen TV Ratings

Twitter Social TV Stats [21]

In October 2013, Nielsen and Twitter announced a metrics system to gauge which television shows are popular. Initial research showed that for every 1,000 tweets, 50,000 people would see those tweets. There has also been a marked increase of live conversations about television on Twitter. Last quarter alone, 19 million people wrote over 260 million Tweets about live TV, which marked a 38% increase. According to an executive at Universal, “the potential value of Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings is that is provides a pathway for an advertiser to turn audience energy into brand momentum”. [11]

Vine

Vine is a video sharing mobile platform acquired by Twitter in 2012. The company launched the application in the first quarter of this year and Vine quickly became the top video sharing application. It is the fastest growing app in 2013 with a 403% growth rate. [12]

Vine Popularity [22]

Vine Popularity [22]

More notably, Dunkin Donuts aired the first Vine as a TV commercial in September during a preseason NFL game. This marks the first wave of integrative social media and television and will surely be a growth sector for Vine as other brands have begun to launch Vine campaigns, such as Nissan. [13]

Twitter and the News

One of the reasons for Twitter’s success is their ability to facilitate real time information, especially with breaking news. As a result, Twitter recently rolled out push notifications in November 2013 for breaking news. However, a random group of Twitter users received a push notification when they neither followed the @BreakingNews account or signed up for push notifications. [14]

Breaking News Push Notification [23]

Breaking News Push Notification [23]

Twitter has also expanded an account specifically for breaking news called @EventParrot, which is a new service that allows for personalized notifications. This is a very recent feature but it shows that Twitter is recognizing their strength as an immediate news outlet.

Spammers and Hackers

As an online platform, Twitter faces problems from spammers and hackers. The company estimates that over 11 million accounts are spam accounts. They announced in their initial filing that they were aware that a rise in users will also result in more spam accounts and that they will continue to terminate spam accounts as they find them. This year alone, there have been several prolific incidents of cyber hacking. Earlier this year, the company announced that over a quarter of a million users’ information may have been compromised. In another disturbing incident, the Syrian Electronic Army briefly gained control of one of Twitter’s domains. [15]

Competitors

Twitter’s major competitors include other technology giants such as Facebook and LinkedIn. While Twitter may have millions of other users, Facebook has over times more. Twitter gains almost $3 in revenue per user but this pales in comparison to LinkedIn’s $8. However, the market value of each Twitter user is $134.47. [16]

Average Revenue from Each User (USD$) [24]

Average Revenue from Each User (USD$) [24]

IPO – $TWTR

Top 10 Internet IPOs [25]

The major story for Twitter this quarter is their initial public offering. Goldman Sachs was announced as the lead underwriter on the deal and the company raised $1.8 billion from the IPO. As a result of the 70 million shares that Twitter issued, the company’s market value grew to a little over $13 billion. Twitter stock opened at $26 and rose rapidly on its first trading day and has settled to a low $40 range currently. [17] Twitter’s IPO marks the second largest Internet IPO after Facebook. The company opted to file its IPO on the NYSE, as NASDAQ is heavier with technology companies and is trading under the ticker name TWTR. Currently, analysts anticipate that Twitter will become profitable by 2015 as advertising revenue streams increase. [18] There has been some worry that Twitter is not profitable as it has posted net losses for the past three years. However, investors believe that Twitter has opted to go public earlier in its growth curve and has more opportunity to become profitable in the coming years.

Twitter’s Future

Expect Twitter Revenues [26]

As Twitter begins its first foray as a public company, there are many doubts that Twitter is just a fad and that their IPO will be overhyped and overvalued just like Facebook’s. However, based on growth expectations and expansions into news, Nielsen ratings and popular applications such as Vine, Twitter will surely be profitable by 2015. As social media becomes more measurable, Twitter stands to bring in higher revenue streams as advertisers begin to recognize the power of this social media platform.

Sources:

1. Twitter Logo Picture – http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=17977&d=1347540360

2-5. Executive Profiles and Pictures – https://about.twitter.com/company/leadership

6. Twitter User Stats – https://about.twitter.com/company

7. Twitter News User Stats – http://www.journalism.org/2013/11/04/twitter-news-consumers-young-mobile-and-educated/

8. Twitter History – http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/companyprofiles/p/Twitter-Company-Profile.htm

9. Twitter Financial Costs – http://money.cnn.com/2013/11/06/technology/social/twitter-ipo-price/

10. Twitter Spending Costs – http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/15/twitter-doubles-its-q3-revenue-but-its-aggregate-2013-loss-has-widened-to-133-8m/

11. Nielsen and Twitter Ratings – http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2013/nielsen-launches-nielsen-twitter-tv-ratings.html

12.  Vine Growth – http://www.b2bmarketing.net/news/archive/mobile-new-vine-named-fasting-growing-app-2013

13. Dunkin Vine Campaign – http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/dunkin-donuts-launching-first-tv-ad-made-entirely-vine-152267

14. Twitter Push Notifications – http://www.digitaltrends.com/social-media/twitter-tests-waters-breaking-news-push-notifications/

15. Twitter Hacks – http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-things-twitter-wont-tell-you-2013-10-25?pagenumber=8

16. Twitter Competitors – http://www.trefis.com/stock/twtr/articles/215695/how-does-twitter-stack-up-against-facebook-and-linkedin/2013-11-18?from=filmstrip%3Atop

17. Twitter IPO Factsheet – http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/interesting-numbers-twitters-ipo-20824494

18. Twitter IPO Info – http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-06/twitter-raises-1-82-billion-pricing-ipo-above-offering-range.html

19. Twitter News Demographics- http://www.journalism.org/2013/11/04/twitter-news-consumers-young-mobile-and-educated/

20. Sponsored Ad Image – http://www.rebelcmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/4573997468_222cebf8ff.jpg

21. Twitter Social TV Image- http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/files/2012/12/twitter-social-tv.png

22. Vine Popularity Image – http://www.b2bmarketing.net/news/archive/mobile-new-vine-named-fasting-growing-app-2013

23. Breaking News Push Notification Push – http://www.digitaltrends.com/social-media/twitter-tests-waters-breaking-news-push-notifications/

24. Competitor Revenue per Customer Graph – http://www.trefis.com/stock/twtr/articles/215695/how-does-twitter-stack-up-against-facebook-and-linkedin/2013-11-18?from=filmstrip%3Atop

25. Top Internet IPO Image – http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/MWimages/MW-BO775_top_ip_MG_20131107095949.jpg

26. Twitter Expected Revenue Graph – http://www.trefis.com/stock/izea/articles/215754/twitters-long-hard-path-to-profitability/2013-11-19?from=artPopin

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBS Radio

[1]

CBS Radio- Courtesy of www.cbsradio.com[1]

By: Drew Brown

 1271 Avenue of the Americas FL 44                                                                                                                              New York, NY 10020                                                                                                                       (212) 649-9600                                                                                                                         www.cbsradio.com

CBS Corporation                                                                                                                   

CBS, Columbia Broadcasting System, Corporation is a mass media company that creates and distributes industry leading content across a variety of platforms to audiences around the world. The Company has businesses with origins that date back to the dawn of the broadcasting age as well as new ventures that operate on the leading edge of media.[2]

History

CBS Radio is one of the oldest units within CBS Corporation, and has been around since 1928, founded by William Paley.

With 126 radio stations in 27 markets, including all of the Top 10, and an extensive array of digital assets, CBS RADIO interacts with more than 65 million consumers nationwide each week with the latest in news, sports and entertainment.  CBS RADIO distributes its programming via AM, FM and HD Radio stations, Radio.com, and CBS Local Digital Media apps, making engaging with audiences easier than ever before.[3] CBS prides itself on hiring the best on-air personalities, to creating a more personal listening experience for the people. Having frequent promotions and prizes for daily listeners, this is one of the many reasons CBS is a powerhouse in entertainment and broadcasting industry.

Executives                                                                                                                                     [4][5][6][7][8]

Company Dominance

CBS Radio stations thrive in all 27 different major markets. Made available in the CBS Corporation 3rd Quarter 2013 investors newsletter, CBS Radio stations continue to dominate in generating revenue. The list below shows CBS Radio stations revenue standings in the top 10 markets.[9]

CBS Radio stations set the bar high and continue to excel over both music and talk formated stations. This year, CBS Radio stations won five NAB Marconi Radio Awards, which is considered to be a top honor in radio. [10]

  • WBBM-AM/FM (Chicago): The Legendary Station Award
  • WBZ-AM (Boston): News and Talk station of the Year
  • WZLX-FM (Boston): Rock station of the Year
  • KLOL-FM (Houston): Spanish station of the Year
  • WVEE-FM (Atlanta): Urban station of the Year

Financials-  Third Quarter 2013 Results

CBS company has received its best numbers to date for the 3rd quarter. The company has seen an increase in revenue, operating income before depreciation and amortization, operating income, and diluted earnings per share.

Sumner Redstone, CBS Executive Chairmen, had this to say about the company, “CBS’s third quarter proves once again why content is king.”[12] CBS prides itself on producing content for the viewer/listener. “Our programming is becoming more valuable all the time as we continue to take advantage of the ever-expanding multiplatform world, I know that CBS is poised for continued success for many years to come.”[13] At the close of the New York Stock Exchange on November 19th, 2013 CBS Corporation was trading at $59.60 a share. [14]

Picture 11

CBS Corp. Stock – Courtesy of www.marketwatch.com [14]

Recent Activity

CBS Radio company have been pioneers in the entertainment industry, always creating new ways to produce and distribute content to reach as listeners as possible. CBS radio has collaborated  with with sports teams, audio companies, and has created online platforms to reach their millions of listeners.

September 2013

Launch of Fierro

Picture 12

Fierro Logo – Courtesy of www.radiosyndicationtalk.com [14.5]

This past September, CBS Radio teamed up with WestwoodOne to launch a new 24/7 program of regional Mexican music available to radio stations nationwide called Fierro. Jimmy Gonzalez, Vice President, Spanish Programming, for CBS RADIO stated, “Fierro’s strength lies in teaming the hottest Regional Mexican hits with some of the very best radio talent in any format” [15] This partnership with CBS Radio and WestwoodOne will benefit both companies as they continue to help promote the Spanish-language radio space. CBS Radio hope to reach more spanish speaking listeners and create niche for those listeners.

CBS & Brooklyn

Picture 13

Barclays Center – Courtesy of www.netsdaily.com [15.5]

CBS Radio has joined forces with the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center to not only gain Nets’ radio rights, but will also carry any other event that goes on in the Barclays center. This deal is valuable for both companies, more people will gain knowledge about what is happening in the Barclays Center when basketball games are not going on. Dan Mason stated, “We’re a marketing machine for them to put on more events, and we both share the success of that.” [16]

October 2013

Audio AdCenter

Picture 14

Audio AdCenter Logo – Courtesy of www.audioadcenter.com [16.5]

This past October CBS announced the launch of Audio AdCenter, a new means for companies to buy online audio advertisement. This deal makes it easier than ever for local companies to advertise over CBS Radio’s 125 online streams from stations in top markets. [17]

Shown below are the steps taken to create audio ad:

 November 2013

Amy Stevens

Picture 16

Amy Stevens – Courtesy of www.allaccess.com [18.5]

CBS Radio created a new position for Amy Stevens, Senior Vice President of Strategic events and Partnerships. As a leader in local broadcasting Stevens will report to Dan Mason with ideas of new concerts and live experiences that appeal to new audiences and advertisers. Stevens has much experience in this industry as she use to work Madison Square Garden entertainment running their marketing concerts and media integration.[19] Dan Mason had this to say about Stevens and how her role will help the company flourish, “Her combination of expertise in radio promotion and close ties to the record labels and artist management will bolster our endeavors as we establish additional opportunities locally and nationally to engage with marketers and our audiences.”[20]

 Building the Perfect Company

CBS Radio has and will continue to break new ground in the entertainment and Broadcasting industry. CBS Radio has shown that they are not afraid to cross media boundaries if it will overall benefit the listeners experience and also gain new listeners. CBS not only is a major force in radio but is a leader in Television. Be on the look out for what CBS Radio and Corporation has planned next, the company never fails when it comes to groundbreaking mass media ventures.

Resources:

[1]:www.cbsradio.com

[2]:http://www.cbscorporation.com/ourcompany.php?id=11

[3]: http://www.cbsradio.com/profile

[4]:http://www.cbsradio.com/executives?bio=dan-mason

[5]:http://www.cbsradio.com/executives?bio=scott-herman

[6]:http://www.cbsradio.com/executives?bio=chris-oliviero

[7]:http://www.cbsradio.com/executives?bio=jo-ann-haller

[8]:http://www.cbsradio.com/executives?bio=michael-weiss

[9]:http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MjA5OTM5fENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1

[10]:http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MjA5OTM5fENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1

[11]:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cbs-corporation-reports-third-quarter-210100716.html

[12]:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cbs-corporation-reports-third-quarter-210100716.html

[13]:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cbs-corporation-reports-third-quarter-210100716.html

[14]:http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/cbs/financials

[14.5]: www.radiosyndicationtalk.com

[15]:http://www.westwoodone.com/index.php/main-menu/press-releases/426-cbs-radio-and-westwoodone-launch-fierro

[15.5]: www.netsdaily.com

[16]:http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2013/09/23/Media/CBS-Radio-Nets.aspx

[16.5]: www.audioadcenter.com

[17]:http://www.cbsradio.com/single-press/2265?filter=2013

[18]:http://www.cbsradio.com/single-press/2265?filter=2013

[18.5]: http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/124234/cbs-radio-names-amy-stevens-svp-strategic-events-a?ref=search

[19]:http://www.cbsradio.com/single-press/2303?filter=2013

[20]:http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/124234/cbs-radio-names-amy-stevens-svp-strategic-events-a

 

 

Pandora

By Jamie Neukrug

 

The Pandora Media Inc. Logo

The Pandora Media Inc. Logo [1]

Pandora Media Inc.

2101 Webster Street
16th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone Number: (510) 451 4100
URL: http://www.pandora.com
Twitter Handle: pandora_radio

Key Executives

la-et-ct-pandora-brian-mcandrews-ceo-20130911-001[2] Brian McAndrews–CEO, President, & Chairman

tim-westergren [3]Tim Westergren–Chief Strategy Officer,Founder

PANDORA RADIO/BUSINESS[4] Tom Conrad–Chief Technology Officer

Unknown[5] Mike Herring–Chief Financial Officer

images

Pandora Radio [6]

A Brief History

In January 2000, Tim Westergren founded a company called Savage Beast Technologies, based on his idea to develop a music genome. This technology was used to develop playlists based on individual consumer preferences. Westergren originally marketed these music recommendation service businesses without much success. In 2004, he shifted his target audiences from businesses to individual users and changed the name to Pandora. Listenership increased sharply. A 2007 ruling on increased royalty prices threatened to ruin Pandora, but the issue was resolved in 2009. The introduction of the iPhone app that allowed people to stream music was a game changer. [7]

Financial Information

Pandora earns the majority of its revenue (87%, 87%, and 88% in the last three years) through computer and mobile based advertising sales. The company offers a free subscription plan which generates revenue through these advertisements, as well as Pandora One, which offers a commercial free option to subscribers for a fee. The ability to reach audiences through mobile and other “on-the-go” devices has increased profits significantly. Total revenue has grown from $137.8 million in 2011 to $427.1 million in 2013. Pandora Media Inc.’s common stock on the NASDAQ market, NYSE, is currently valued at $28.45, a 1.01% decrease from its previous close, as it continues to fluctuate. Based on the latest report, Pandora has over 70% share of internet radio within the top 20 stations in the United States. [8]

The Numbers [8]

Year Total Revenue (in millions): Listener Hours (in billions): Active Users (in millions):
2011 $137,800 3.83 29.3
2012 $274,340 8.23 47.6
2013 $427,145 14.01 65.6

About Pandora

Pandora's Business Model [18]

Pandora’s Business Model [9]

By allowing its subscribers to dictate the type of songs and comedy they want to hear, Pandora has become internet radio’s market leader in the United States. Listener playlists are developed based on their feedback from a library of songs that have been categorized based on hundreds of musical qualities. Since its inception, Pandora has grown to have 200,000,000 registered users, over 1,000,000 songs in its collection, over 4 billion stations created, and has expanded internationally to Australia and New Zealand. Listeners can mix up to 100 stations, customizing them to their liking. They can also create profiles and connect with others based on mutual preferences. In addition to computers, Pandora has expanded to mobile “apps” on smartphones such as Blackberry, Android, the iPhone, and other interactive devices including the Android tablets, iPad, and Amazon Kindle Fire, and the Nook. Pandora made deals with car companies, including BMW and Buick, and can now be accessed in vehicles. [10] [11]

chart-of-the-day-internet-only-audio-providers-june-2010

Pandora Media vs. Other Internet Audio Providers [12]

pandora1

The Music Genome Project sets Pandora apart from competition. [13]

The Music Genome Project®

Pandora’s executive team recognizes the need to accommodate the individual musical tastes of subscribers. The Music Genome Project® is the most intricate system ever created to choose music based on its characteristics. Trained musicologists thoroughly analyze songs based on attributes such as voice, tone, genre, and rhythm. The library includes everything from the week’s Top 40 to classic hits from past decades. The project is often compared to human DNA because every detail is diverse. Musicologists utilize the data stored in the Music Genome Project® to create a satisfying, unique listening experience for all. [14]

pandora-presents-celine-dion-20131030-000713-237

Celine Dion performed in NYC in October. [15]

Pandora Presents

“Pandora Presents” is Pandora’s series of live concerts that allow listeners to connect with their favorite artists. Originating in 2012, these performances continue to be a successful display of user appreciation and set Pandora apart from competition. Pandora employees personalize it further by using listenership they have identified for specific artists to invite certain users to attend the show. [16]

During a recent October concert in Los Angeles, recording artist, Bridgit Mendler, mentioned Pandora’s role in helping to develop her fan base. [17] Celine Dion performed in New York City on October 29, 2013, promoting her new album “Loved Me Back to Life.” Past entertainers include Dr. Dog, Walk the Moon, Theophilus London, and other emerging artists.

[18]

Recent News

Pandora Media vs. iTunes Radio

Pandora vs. iTunes Radio

Pandora vs. iTunes Radio [19]

With Apple Inc.’s recent release of its new service, iTunes radio, Pandora’s competition continues to grow. Like Pandora, it creates playlists based on the music the listeners’ choose. It also features the same service options, one with advertisements and commercial free iTunes Match. iTunes Radio allows users to view their entire history and categorize songs by “Hits,” “Variety,” and “Discovery.” [19] Both services allow users to post to Twitter or Facebook, but while Pandora posts both song and station, iTunes only provides the latter. Apple hopes their loyal 575 million iTunes users will convert to iTunes Radio.

Despite the fact that this new application is just as technologically advanced, Mike Herring, Pandora’s Chief Financial Officer, stated that listening hours grew 9% since last month. Pandora’s market share rose to 8.06% in October 2013 from 7.77% in September, when iTunes Radio was first released. [20]

Other Competition: Pandora Media Inc. also competes with broadcast radio providers including Clear Channel, CBS and Sirius XM, a satellite radio provider. Additional rivals include online radio providers such as CBS’s Last.fm, Slacker Personal Radio, and Clear Channel’s iheartradio and interactive media stations RDIO, Apple’s iTunes Music Store, Spotify, Rhapsody, and Amazon. [8]

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Pandora Mobile  [22]

Pandora Removes 40-Hour-Per-Month Limit: Pandora has removed its 40-hour-per-month limit on free mobile listening, allowing people unlimited time to use the service. Pandora was able to make this change due to its success in mobile revenue advertising, trailing only Google and Facebook. The limit was placed in March 2013 to control royalty costs, but management eliminated it to stay on top of their competition. [21]

iPad Redesign: On September 18, 2013, Pandora released the Pandora 5.0 for the iPad. This was the greatest redesign of the app since its launch in April 2010. The iPad’s large screen and touch capability allows users to easily navigate and search their favorite music. This update was made for Android tablets as well. Pandora 5.0 features more intricate music discovery and exploration, a personal music profile and newsfeed, and the ability to connect and share music with friends. [23] [24]

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Pandora 5.0 on Android Tablets [24]

Pandora on Google Chromecast: Pandora is also now available on Google Chromecast, a TV-connected device that delivers audio and video signals wirelessly to any screen in your home. Chromecast consumers can now use Pandora with the click of their smartphone or tablet. Once the music is sent to the television, the device is no longer needed for the music to continue. The Play, Pause, Thumb, and Skip buttons are still managed through the mobile device used. Listeners can customize the music they choose with Google Play or the App Store. [25] [26]

Sources:

[1] Dayandadream.com: Pandora Media Inc. Logo 

[2] LA Times: Brian McAndrews Image 

[3] Business Innovation Factory: Tim Westergren Image

[4] Mercury News: Tom Conrad Image 

[5] Apple Insider: Mike Herring Image 

[6] Pandoraradioformac.org Internet Radio Image Source

[7] NY Times Article History of Pandora

[8] Pandora’s Financial Information (Annual Report/Form 10-K)

[9] Bizibly.wordpress.com: Pandora Business Model Image Source

[10] Pandora.com: About Pandora Media Inc.

[11] Pandora.com/mobile: Pandora Going Mobile

[12] BusinessInsider.com Pandora Popularity Graph

[13] Slashgear.com: Pandora Music Genome Project Image

[14] About the Music Genome Project on Pandora.com 

[15] Yahoo News: Celine Dion Image 

[16] Pandora’s Press: About Pandora Presents

[17] Online.wsj.com: Bridgit Mendler at Pandora Presents

[18] Youtube.com Bridgit Mendler Performance

[19] GadgetReview.com: Pandora vs. iTunes Radio 

[20] Business at NJ.com: Pandora Succeeding Against Competition

[21] Prnewswire.com 9/1/13 Pandora Removes 40 Hour Per Month Limit

[22] Boston Globe Article Image 

[23] 9/18/13 Pandora.com Press: iPad Redesign

[24] Phandroid.com Pandora 5.0 Image

[25] 10/31/13 Pandora.com Blog Google Chromecast

[26] Variety.com: Article on Pandora for Google Chromecast