ViacomCBS - FilmTake

Paramount-Skydance Merger Collapses: Inside the Failed Negotiations

June 11, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

Skydance’s merger talks with Paramount collapsed in epic fashion on Tuesday after Paramount’s controlling shareholder canceled the deal, ending an attempt to turn around the troubled studio. The deal fell through just as it was about to be finalized.

Update: Skydance Media Acquisition of Paramount Diminished After Disjointed Annual Meeting

June 5, 2024 FilmTake Comments Off

At their annual meeting on Tuesday, Paramount executives unveiled a plan to reduce costs and seek a partner for their streaming service. As a result, shares dropped nearly 5% as prospects for a merger with Skydance Media diminished.

Comcast Looks to Europe to Bolster Weak Stateside Streaming Demand

September 15, 2021 FilmTake Comments Off

Comcast’s Sky will assist ViacomCBS with the launch of Paramount+ in the UK, Germany, and Italy to leverage distribution networks and content libraries to compete against the big four––Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and the contemplated WarnerMedia and Discovery combined company.

The Future Will Have Ads

February 3, 2021 FilmTake Comments Off

In a recent survey of over 5,000 active online subscribers in the United States and Canada, 81% of respondents wished that paid streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video offered a free, ad-supported option.

AVOD Market Heats Up

February 25, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off

Several media companies are holding discussions to acquire advertising-supported video streaming services. Fox Corp is in talks with Tubi, and NBCUniversal is considering Vudu.

How Amazon Releases Films

November 20, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off

Amazon Studios has relied on traditional distribution practices to foster greater collaboration with gatekeepers in Hollywood. However, after playing second fiddle to Netflix for the better part of a decade, Amazon is changing its theatrical strategy stateside.

Will Amazon Buy ViacomCBS?

August 21, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off

There is growing speculation that Amazon will acquire ViacomCBS after the post-merger dust settles.

Merger In Name Only

August 15, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off

CBS and Viacom have reunited as one company after two failed attempts since 2016. The new company will be named ViacomCBS.

Splitting the Difference: Why Warner Bros. and Comcast Are Carving Up Their Empires

Broadcast & PayTV

December 17, 2024 Comments Off

SVOD Trends in 2025: International Variability, Advertising, and Pricing Adjustments

Streaming

December 15, 2024 Comments Off

Streaming

Retention Over Acquisition: How UK and US Streamers Adapt to Market Saturation

December 10, 2024 Comments Off

Streaming

Super-Bundles and Churn Reduction: Disney’s Vision for Streaming Dominance

December 8, 2024 Comments Off

Streaming

Challenging Amazon: Walmart’s Vision for the Future of Subscription Streaming

December 1, 2024 Comments Off

Distribution

Slow-Motion Collapse: How Nostalgia, Streaming, and Short-Sightedness Undermined Hollywood’s Future

November 26, 2024 Comments Off

Streaming

Subscriptions to Free Streaming: The Platforms and Formats Redefining Entertainment

November 24, 2024 Comments Off

Production

Production is Fleeing Los Angeles: How Poor Policies Push Producers Away

November 19, 2024 Comments Off

Splitting the Difference: Why Warner Bros. and Comcast Are Carving Up Their Empires

Broadcast & PayTV

December 17, 2024 Comments Off

Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast are restructuring to separate their declining linear TV networks from streaming divisions, signaling the end of linear television’s dominance. This strategy, framed as a means to enhance value, highlights the sector’s collapse as advertisers and viewers shift to digital platforms. Mergers or sell-offs are imminent.

SVOD Trends in 2025: International Variability, Advertising, and Pricing Adjustments

Streaming

December 15, 2024 Comments Off

Content and pricing strategies are shifting as platforms focus on retaining subscribers with live sports and bundled services. Sports rights, such as those for the Champions League and NFL, have driven substantial growth for Paramount+ and Peacock—Prime Video benefits from integrating most major streaming services into one platform.

Retention Over Acquisition: How UK and US Streamers Adapt to Market Saturation

Streaming

December 10, 2024 Comments Off

As global streaming markets mature, platforms are shifting focus from acquisition to retention amid near-saturation in regions like the U.S. Strategies include ad-supported tiers and content diversification. While platforms strive to meet changing demands, competition is intensifying, particularly in the ad-supported landscape, emphasizing the need for innovation and strategic partnerships for sustained growth.

Super-Bundles and Churn Reduction: Disney’s Vision for Streaming Dominance

Streaming

December 8, 2024 Comments Off

Disney’s super-bundling of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ forms a key part of its streaming strategy amidst rising subscription costs that echo traditional cable models. The $30 mega-bundle with Max aims to reduce churn and simplify streaming but raises concerns over overwhelming choices and competitive pricing, challenging Disney to attract new subscribers effectively.

Challenging Amazon: Walmart’s Vision for the Future of Subscription Streaming

Streaming

December 1, 2024 Comments Off

Walmart is enhancing its streaming presence through the $2.3 billion acquisition of Vizio, aiming to compete with Amazon. By integrating Vizio’s technology into its retail ecosystem and leveraging its advertising capabilities, Walmart seeks to grow its streaming subscriptions and capitalize on the decline of traditional TV, creating a comprehensive media platform.