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.

Who Will Own the Future of Filmed Entertainment? Inside the Great Media Power Grab

Distribution

March 1, 2025 Comments Off

The Broadcast Boom: Why Traditional TV Still Matters in a Streaming World

Broadcast & PayTV

February 24, 2025 Comments Off

Distribution

Finding Licensing Gold: Why Some Shows Are Worth More Off Their Home Platform

February 18, 2025 Comments Off

Distribution

Paramount’s New Slate Financing Deal and the Complexities of Film Investment

February 10, 2025 Comments Off

Distribution

Amazon MGM Studios Charts New Course with International Distribution Ambitions

February 8, 2025 Comments Off

Production

Is Hollywood Worth Saving? The Harsh Reality Facing L.A. in 2025

January 19, 2025 Comments Off

Streaming

Beyond Binge Watching: Ads, Sports, and Telecoms Are Steering Streaming Back to Cable’s Playbook

January 11, 2025 Comments Off

The Broadcast Boom: Why Traditional TV Still Matters in a Streaming World

Broadcast & PayTV

February 24, 2025 Comments Off

As streaming platforms continue to dominate the conversation, traditional broadcast networks are proving their staying power by strategically aligning with digital platforms. New data confirms that network television still commands a substantial audience, with streaming partnerships extending its reach and influence.

Beyond Binge Watching: Ads, Sports, and Telecoms Are Steering Streaming Back to Cable’s Playbook

Streaming

January 11, 2025 Comments Off

The U.S. streaming market is saturated, with 96% of households subscribed to services, prompting a shift from acquisition to retention strategies. Ad-supported models are gaining traction as affordability overshadows uninterrupted viewing. Live sports and telecom partnerships are key growth areas, while brand ecosystems are vital for subscriber retention in this maturing landscape.

One Platform to Rule Them All: Aggregation Will Alter Streaming Markets in 2025

Streaming

January 7, 2025 Comments Off

Standalone SVOD services are experiencing a shift as consumers grapple with rising costs and subscription stacking. Many are turning to video aggregators, which simplify access but risk escalating prices. The market may soon consist of fewer standalone players alongside aggregators, highlighting the necessity for service bundling to reduce churn and enhance consumer convenience.

Europe’s AVOD Boom: How Ad-Tiers Will Reshape Streaming Markets in 2025

Streaming

December 29, 2024 Comments Off

Europe’s streaming market is on the verge of transformation, propelled by the rise of ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) platforms. Consumers increasingly favor lower-cost subscription plans featuring ads, benefiting major players like Netflix and local entities such as TF1+. However, platforms face challenges with ad relevance, viewer retention, and stringent EU regulations.

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.