Tag: linear TV

From the Archives revisits Pivot, Participant Media's short-lived attempt to build a socially conscious cable network for millennials. Launched in 2013, Pivot aimed to disrupt linear TV with activist-driven content and digital features, but its reliance on traditional cable distribution…

Disney named Josh D’Amaro its next CEO, aligning leadership with a $60 billion investment in parks and experiences. His operational success in that division reflects Disney’s shift toward long-term, capital-intensive growth. Media remains key but now supports broader business goals,…

NBCUniversal channels just went dark on Fubo, reinforcing the industry’s now-routine pattern of carriage disputes built on friction, not resolution. With NBCU yanking its portfolio, Fubo’s sports-first strategy takes a direct hit, but the standoff reflects systemic incentives, not tactical…

Lionsgate and Debmar-Mercury have launched MovieSphere Gold, a new all-movie digital multicast network now available in over 30 million U.S. households. Backed by Lionsgate’s deep library of contemporary films, the network aims to stand out in the growing diginet space…

Starz is exploring an acquisition of A+E Global Media, the joint venture between Disney and Hearst that owns Lifetime and the History Channel. This move follows Starz's separation from Lionsgate and aligns with its strategy to scale digital reach by…

In a strategic move to push for a potential merger, Sinclair Broadcast Group revealed that it has taken roughly an 8% stake in E.W. Scripps. The disclosure hit Monday, and the market went into full popcorn mode. Scripps shares spiked…

Disney and YouTube TV have resolved a two-week carriage dispute, finalizing a multi-year deal that restores Disney’s channels and integrates ESPN Plus and the forthcoming ESPN Unlimited into YouTube TV. The agreement reflects a strategic pivot toward aggregation, positioning ESPN’s…

NBCUniversal is reviving NBC Sports Network on November 17 via YouTube TV, reinforcing a hybrid strategy that blends linear and streaming to maximize control, reach, and monetization of live sports. The move protects NBCU’s brand visibility and bargaining power as…

Kirby analyzes the looming M&A scramble for Warner Bros. Discovery, breaking down how Paramount Skydance, Netflix, and Comcast each reflect a different strategic theory. Paramount Skydance sees WBD as a growth engine; Netflix sees it as the key to permanence;…

Warner Bros. Discovery posted a mixed Q3, with studio revenue up 23% thanks to box office hits and streaming profits rising 19% despite flat revenue and falling ARPU. Linear TV continued its steep decline, with ad and content revenue sliding…