All Things Streaming (VOD, OTT)

[MisterPenguin]

Inside the Cable TV Hospice: Can NBCUniversal’s Divorce From MSNBC, Syfy, E! and More Prolong the Life of Once-Popular Channels?

Inside Cable TV's Future: As NBCUniversal sends MSNBC, Syfy, E!, USA and more to SpinCo, can it prolong the life of once-popular channels?

variety.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

YouTube TV Could Lose CBS, Comedy Central, MTV and More in Contract Dispute With Paramount

Paramount is notifying YouTube TV subscribers that channels including CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon could go dark on the service.

variety.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Warner Bros. Discovery Turns $677M DTC Profit for 2024, Streaming Subs Grow to 116.9M

The Hollywood giant, led by CEO David Zaslav, disclosed a $9.1 billion networks unit impairment charge for 2024 and outlined a path to 150 million streaming subs by the end of 2026.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

James Bond and the Mad Dash for Franchise IP

Amazon’s surprise deal to wrest control of 007 from the Broccoli family marks the latest front in a decades-old war to lock up the last remaining billion-dollar franchises.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max Scraps Plan to Launch Separate Sports Tier

Warner Bros. Discovery's Max is reversing its plans to launch a separate add-on sports streaming tier for Max.

variety.com

Warner Bros. Discovery Touts “Disciplined” Post-NBA Sports Strategy, Says It Is “Responding Tenaciously And Creatively” To Pay-TV Declines

Warner Bros. Discovery touted its "disciplined" sports strategy, saying it is responding "tenaciously and creatively" to ongoing pay-TV declines.

deadline.com

Warner Bros Discovery Sees Max Hit 116.9 Million Subscribers As Streaming Posts Profit, Cable Network Ad Revenue Falls 17%

Warner Bros. Discovery linear networks continued to lose ground amid ongoing challenges, weighing on the fourth quarter along with one-time charges.

deadline.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

The CW Will Become Profitable In 2026, Nexstar Reaffirms, With 40% Of Its Programming Now Sports

The CW will start turning a profit in 2026, majority owner Nexstar Media Group reaffirmed, thanks in large part to a push into live sports.

deadline.com

Netflix Upped Second Half 2024 Viewing 5% to 94 Billion Hours, Driven by 'Squid Game 2' - Media Play News

Netflix Feb. 26 disclosed that viewing time in the second half of 2024 increased 5% to 94 billion hours from 89.5 billion hours in the previous-year period. The streamer’s biannual “Engagement Report” covers about 99% of all video watch time on Netflix, which the company calculates dividing...

www.mediaplaynews.com

Paramount+ Adds 5.6 Million Q4 Subs, Ends 2024 With 77.5 Million - Media Play News

Paramount+ added 5.6 million paid subscribers in the fourth quarter, ended Dec. 31, 2024, finishing the year with 77.5 million subs — up 10 million from the end of 2023. Paramount’s direct-to-consumer business unit narrowed its quarterly operating loss 42% to $286 million from $490 million in...

www.mediaplaynews.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Max Debut In Turkey Confirmed For April 15; WBD Commits To Increase Originals Investment

Max's launch in Turkey has been confirmed for April 15, and there will be more cash on the table for original investment.

deadline.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

What’s Behind Netflix’s Second Day Stock Sell Off?

Shares in the streaming giant fell 10 percent during the last two trading sessions on subscriber growth concerns.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

AMC Theatres Wants to Turn Back the Clock

As moviegoing lags, the mega chain hopes to push studios back to at least a 45-day theatrical window.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

Lionsgate Television Lays Off 6% of Workforce

Lionsgate Television has undergone a round of layoffs, letting go of 6% of its workforce.

variety.com

Lionsgate Studios, Starz Split On Track For Mid To Late April Close, CFO Says – Update

Lionsgate CEO now anticipates the long-awaited split of tje studios and Starz shortly after a mid to late-April shareholder meeting.

deadline.com

Netflix CFO: 2025 Content Spending to Increase 11% to $18 Billion - Media Play News

Netflix is expected to spend upwards of $18 billion on content production across 50 countries in 2025, up 11% from $16.2 billion spent in 2024, CFO Spencer Neumann told an investor group. Speaking March 5 at the Morgan Stanley 2025 Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in San Francisco, Neumann...

www.mediaplaynews.com

WBD CEO David Zaslav Eyeing Bundles, Consolidation Driving 150 Million Global Max Subs in 2025 - Media Play News

Since assuming control of the rebranded Warner Bros. Discovery (formerly WarnerMedia) in April 2022, CEO David Zaslav has seen the company’s stock plummet 45%, with a market valuation that is 1,438% lower than Netflix. With his company posting one of the lower Wall Street valuations among legacy...

www.mediaplaynews.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Welcome to “Broadcast-ification”! Streamers Switch From Prestige to Procedural Amid Cost Crunch

The epic TV era is threatened by rising costs, falling commissions and a shift towards mainstream crime series. "It's become more and more difficult to finance these big shows."

www.hollywoodreporter.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Ted Sarandos to YouTube Content Creators: Work for Netflix and Get Paid - Media Play News

Wall Street analyst firm MoffettNathson made news this week when it proclaimed YouTube the “New King of All Media,” with an enterprise value approaching $550 billion if it were a standalone company. The research firm contends YouTube will become the largest media company in 2025 after generating...

www.mediaplaynews.com

TCLtv+ Adds 21 FAST Channels Featuring Warner Bros. Discovery Content - Media Play News

TCLtv+, the streaming service offered by consumer electronics company TCL, announced the launch of 21 FAST channels featuring content from Warner Bros. Discovery. Beginning this month, the new channels will join the streaming service’s current FAST channel lineup and will includes classic...

www.mediaplaynews.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Redbox, Crackle And Other Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment Assets Set For Post-Bankruptcy Auction

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. Later this month, the trademarks and assets of the company will go on sale at the offices a New York City law firm.

deadline.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

$8.9B in YouTube Ads Help Power Alphabet to Hugely Profitable Quarter

The former Google posts Q1 2025 net income of nearly $35 billion.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Microsoft Ups Quarterly Xbox Content/Services Revenue 8%, Driven by 'Call of Duty,' 'Minecraft,' Xbox Game Pass - Media Play News

Microsoft April 30 reported an 8% increase in Xbox content and services revenue in the third quarter, ended March 31. Gaming revenue increased $270 million to $5.7 billion driven by growth in Xbox Game Pass subscription service, Call of Duty, and Minecraft titles. Xbox hardware revenue decreased...

www.mediaplaynews.com

Amazon Ups Q1 Subscription Revenue 9% to $11.7 billion - Media Play News

Amazon May 1 reported first-quarter (ended March 31) subscription services segment revenue of $11.7 billion, which is up more than 9% from revenue of $10.7 billion during the previous-year period. Subscription services includes annual and monthly fees associated with Prime memberships, as well...

www.mediaplaynews.com

Apple Posts Record Quarterly Services Revenue of $26.6 Billion - Media Play News

Apple May 1 reported services revenue in the second quarter ended March 29 increased 11.6% to $26.65 billion, from revenue of $23.9 billion in the previous-year period. It is the highest recorded quarterly services revnue in company history, according to Apple. Services revenue includes sales of...

www.mediaplaynews.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

‘Thunderbolts*’ Rolls To $162M+ Global Opening; ‘Minecraft’ Nears $900M WW & ‘Sinners’ Has Another Saintly Hold – International Box Office

Marvel/Disney’s Thunderbolts* opened to $162.1 million at the global box office

deadline.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Lionsgate Clears Last Hurdle For Split Of Studios And Starz

The Supreme Court of British Columbia approved the split of the company’s studio business from Starz, the final step to separate the businesses.

deadline.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Sounds Like Warner Bros. Discovery Will Have Its Own SpinCo in the “Not-Too-Distant” Future

CNBC’s David Faber reports that a spinoff of Warners’ cable channels is imminent.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

Max Password-Sharing Crackdown Will Take “12-18 Months” to Reach “Full Steam”

Warner Bros. Discovery execs preach patience to the company's investors.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

AMC Theatres Posts Sharply Lower Quarterly Revenue

Fewer Hollywood tentpole releases hampered the mega-exhibitor during the latest financial quarter.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

CBS Execs Unveil New Plans, Talk Grammys Exit and Colbert Negotiations

When asked about 60 Minutes' ongoing legal battle with the president, CEO George Cheeks kindly replied, "I appreciate the try, but I’ve had no tequila today."

www.hollywoodreporter.com

Versant Announces Its First Programming Slate

SpinCo. ain’t going down without a fight.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

YouTube Takes Further Action Against Fake Movie Trailer Channels After Deadline Investigation

YouTube has suspended from its partner program alt accounts for Screen Culture and KH Studio after they posted fake movie and TV trailers.

deadline.com

Warner Bros. Discovery Grows Streaming Subs, Profit In Q1, Studio Revenue Takes A Hit

Warner Bros. Discovery had a mixed first quarter with beats on streaming subs and profit, a drop in revenue from the film studio, which turned around in Q2. Domestic linear advertising dipped.

deadline.com

Peacock Adding Interactive Features for NBA Live Streams Beginning Next Season - Media Play News

NBCUniversal May 12 revealed technical features it hopes will differentiate its NBA live streams on Peacock from NBC, ESPN and Prime Video distribution during the next 2025-2026 season this fall. With the next NBA season beginning in October, users opting to use the Peacock app will get live...

www.mediaplaynews.com

Sling TV Lost 198,000 Subs in the First Three Months of 2025 - Media Play News

Satellite TV operator Echostar Corp.’s pioneering vMVPD distributor Sling TV lost 198,000 subscribers in the first quarter ended March 31. That was up 47% from a loss of 138,000 subs in the previous-year period. Sling, which pioneered the online TV platform market in 2015 when it was the first...

www.mediaplaynews.com

AMC Networks Lost 200,000 Streaming Subs in First Three Months of 2025 - Media Play News

AMC Networks May 9 reported a loss of 200,000 subscription streaming VOD subscribers in the first quarter ended March 31. The media company ended the period with 10.2 million subscribers across SVOD platforms that include AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK. The company ended 2024...

www.mediaplaynews.com

Paramount+ Adds 1.5 Million Q1 Subs, Ends Quarter With 79 Million Global Subs - Media Play News

Paramount Global May 8 reported that it added 1.5 million paid subscribers to its Paramount+ streaming service in the first quarter ended March 31. The platform ended the fiscal period with 79 million subs globally, up 11% from 71 million subs in the previous year period. The direct-to-consumer...

www.mediaplaynews.com

Comcast Names 'SpinCo' Cable and Digital Assets — Including Fandango — 'Versant' - Media Play News

Comcast has officially named its SpinCo media assets “Versant” as the new corporate moniker when the media giant’s former cable assets become a separate publicly-traded company later this year. Versant assets include USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, in addition to...

www.mediaplaynews.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

WBD Upfront: Max to Become HBO Max Again - Media Play News

Come summer, the Max streaming service will once again be known as HBO Max. The surprise move was announced May 14 during corporate parent Warner Bros. Discovery’s Upfront presentation to advertisers in New York City. The rebranding back to the service’s original name comes less than two months...

www.mediaplaynews.com

Netflix Says Ad-Supported Tier Reaches 94 Million Subs Worldwide - Media Play News

Netflix May 14 disclosed that its $7.99 monthly ad-supported subscription tier has reached 94 million subscribers globally, up 34% from 70 million subs reported last November. The streamer reported 40 million ad-supported subs a year ago. The less-expensive option now represents 50% of all new...

www.mediaplaynews.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

At the Upfronts, Sports Sideline Scripted TV as Studios Lean In to Live Events

From Netflix and YouTube to NBC and Disney, the NBA and NFL and dominated the pitches to advertisers, with entertainment companies hoping to lock in upfront dollars.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Comcast spins off cable channels that are dragging down the company's bottom line.

CEO of the new spin-off, Versant, claims it will make money.

Then why spin it off if it's a money-maker? Hmmm..

Comcast’s CFO Makes the Case That Its TV Spin Off Company Can Be a Growth Engine

Jason Armstrong says that Versant, the new firm comprised of assets like MSNBC, CNBC, E!, USA Network and Syfy, will have "a strong balance sheet" to invest in its properties.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Cord-Cutting Chaos Looms After ESPN, Fox, CNN Streaming Apps, Charter’s Giant Combo

Charter's bid to merge with rival suggests new enmity between the cable giant and programmers like ESPN, Fox and CNN launching streaming services

variety.com

 

[MisterPenguin]

Netflix Acquires Streaming Rights to 'Sesame Street' After Max Declines to Renew Deal - Media Play News

Netflix has acquired streaming rights to the venerable children’s show “Sesame Street,” beginning with season 56 later this year. The long-running program has streamed on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform for the past five years. The show will continue to broadcast on PBS stations and across...

www.mediaplaynews.com

Hub: Streaming Bundles Resonating With Consumers - Media Play News

New streaming bundles launched over the past year by media distributors, including legacy TV and streamers, are generating strong returns this year, according to new data from Hub Entertainment Research. As consumers face possible price hikes from upcoming tariffs and other increases in...

www.mediaplaynews.com