Debra Langford

Paramount's Q1 earnings performance highlights both opportunities and challenges within the dynamic #streaming landscape. Most notably making recent headlines, the potential merger with Skydance suggests a strategic repositioning, aiming to strengthen Paramount's portfolio with high-quality content that could enhance its competitive stance in a crowded market and enhance Paramount's capabilities in producing and offering blockbuster films and acclaimed TV series on Paramount+. This move is a strategic effort to amplify Paramount's content offerings in both traditional and streaming formats, potentially improving its market share and appeal to a diverse viewer base. The recent introduction of international ad-tier subscriptions broadens Paramount's market reach outside of the U.S., attracting cost-conscious consumers with more accessible price points and tapping into new ad revenue streams. Introducing ad-tiers will capture global markets, reaching new demographics and analyzing consumer engagement habits. By integrating ads, Paramount will build valuable partnerships with advertisers looking to reach international audiences while increasing its global footprint. A key emphasis on providing original content and #livesports such as The Masters Tournament and National Women’s Soccer League are drivers of subscriber growth and consumer engagement on streaming platforms. The company's ability to enhance its original programming and secure compelling live sports rights will be decisive in its efforts to compete with industry giants and attract a global audience, ultimately improving its bottom line. Additionally, Bob Bakish, Paramount CEO, is stepping down today, signaling a pivot in Paramount’s overall corporate strategy and governance. New leadership may bring a different perspective on addressing the challenges of digital transformation in the #entertainment industry as we move away from traditional #cable and legacy media. This change could catalyze a more aggressive push into streaming and technology, and an increase in direct-to-consumer services, areas where Paramount must evolve to remain competitive with streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu and Prime Video & Amazon Studios. #LITrendingTopics #Q1Earnings #Streamers #Content #CordCutting https://lnkd.in/gt6_nFWN

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Skydance Media and Paramount Global have agreed to a two-step process in which Skydance and its deal partners will acquire National Amusements, which holds the Redstone family's controlling stake in Paramount, for $2.4 billion in cash. Skydance will subsequently merge with Paramount, offering shareholders $4.5 billion in cash or stock and providing an additional $1.5 billion for Paramount's balance sheet. The companies aim to complete the transaction in the first half of 2025. The merger agreement includes a 45-day "go-shop" period, which permits Paramount's Special Committee and its representatives to actively solicit and consider alternative acquisition proposals. Paramount said they do not intend to "disclose developments with respect to the go-shop process unless and until it determines such disclosure is appropriate or is otherwise required." It should be noted that Paramount+ is not going away, and it will take time for the company to figure out and execute its re-org. There are many unknowns, and execution is all that matters. We won't be able to see the impact of this deal for at least a year. The merger is subject to regulatory approval. https://lnkd.in/ejrk7Gv9

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I’m thrilled to share exciting new research No Guarantees has commissioned in partnership with leading trends and generation research firm Culture Co-Op. The report explores what Gen Z and Millennials think about Broadway, examines the reasons they aren’t showing up, and suggests strategic steps the industry can take to cultivate new, engaged audiences. The research shows that Gen Z and Millennials’ lack of Broadway attendance is not due to details like a particular show’s cast, subject matter, or number of awards it has received. Instead, it’s a handful of deep misconceptions about Broadway itself, like confusion about ticket prices, the number of shows playing at any given time, access to tickets, and who Broadway is even meant for. The great news for Broadway is that while Gen Z & Millennials may not know much about individual shows or what’s happening in the theater industry, the Broadway brand remains extraordinarily strong. They are curious about us, and 91% even reported being more interested in Broadway simply by taking the survey! They’re ready to be brought into the fold. This gives all of us the ability to appeal to the existing interest of new, young audiences and develop a modern, actionable strategy to make it happen - to meet people where they really are. There’s so much to dive into so please check out the full report, which you can download at noguarantees.com. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas!

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⛰ Paramount announced CEO Bob Bakish is stepping down as investors continue to eye the company's dealmaking options. 🚫 The company had been preparing to announce that Bakish's departure amid the executive's growing tensions with Shari Redstone, who controls Paramount through her family's holding company National Amusements, according to media reports. 👨‍👩‍👧 Paramount said it would install an “Office of the CEO” consortium made up of three company division heads in place of Bakish. Here's what you need to know on Yahoo Finance ⤵ #paramount #ceo #executive #bobbakish #earnings #media #ceo

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The latest on the "Succession"-like drama that is Paramount's deal process. -The Skydance consortium, which has been in talks to acquire Paramount, is prepared to walk away from its bid if it doesn't get a firm commitment from Shari Redstone, according to a person familiar with the matter. -Further uncertainty was thrown into the mix this week when PE firm Apollo and Sony Pictures sent a letter to Paramount's board expressing formal interest in buying the company for about $26B. -Redstone, the controlling shareholder, has been guiding the process. She's been partial to the offer that would keep Paramount a whole company following a sale -- unlikely in a scenario where PE is the acquirer, CNBC has reported. It's also unclear if the Sony-Apollo bid gives her the same premium as the Skydance offer. -The exclusive window for deal talks between Paramount and Skydance ends Friday, and won't be extended. More from me and Alex Sherman on CNBC about this roller coaster deal process:

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As news spreads about the Paramount/Skydance merger deal, I offer this column with a few pressing questions, including: Can this deal -- if it works -- point to a shiny new future for a beleaguered media industry? READ: https://loom.ly/MpgJ_Yo

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“It’s official: Blackstone is about to become the new owner of Hipgnosis Songs Fund. Blackstone’s USD $1.584 billion bid for the UK-listed music company yesterday (July 8) won overwhelming approval amongst HSF shareholders who voted at a Court Meeting and General Meeting. The process saw 99.97% of the Scheme Shares voted by HSF shareholders approve the Blackstone deal. Blackstone needed at least 75% of voting shares to get the deal over the line.” “The financial press last month speculated that certain hedge funds — who held enough HSF stock to prevent Blackstone from reaching the 75% threshold — might effectively ‘block’ the sale. In the end, that didn’t come to pass. According to the FT, hedge funds that owned shares in Hipgnosis Songs Fund included TIG, with a 14% stake; Glazer Capital, with around 8%; Kryger Capital, with 6.6%; and Sand Grove Capital Management, with around 6%.” Read the full article for more: #Hipgnosis #HSF #Blackstone #HipgnosisSongsFund #HSA #HipgnosisSongsAssets #Songs #MusicPublishing #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz #Creators #Songwriters

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Bob Bakish steps down as CEO of Paramount Global. Amid the M&A drama enveloping Paramount Global, Bob Bakish is stepping down as CEO after eight years at the helm of Shari Redstone's media empire. Bakish resigned under pressure. The executive has been with Paramount and its predecessor Viacom since 1997. He was hired by Redstone in 2016 to help bring stability to the company amid a public legal battle between shareholders and a fight for control between Redstone and former Viacom CEO Philippe Daumanamd. The Wall Street Journal is the first media source to report the situation with Bob Bakish. Paramount's board is currently in exclusive takeover talks with Skydance Media and RedBird Capital. Another group, Sony Pictures and Apollo Global Management, is poised to make a formal all-cash offer for the company next week as the May 3 expiration date of the exclusive negotiation window with Skydance approaches. As Skydance talks have dragged on for months, it's become clear that Skydance CEO David Ellison would take the helm of the enlarged Paramount-Skydance operation, while RedBird executive Jeff Shell, formerly CEO of NBC Universal and a longtime Comcast executive, would serve as Ellison's No. 2, overseeing day-to-day operations. There was no pretense of carving out a role for Bakish. Bakish will step down as CEO when the sale is completed. Whoever acquires Paramount Global does not matter. The company has been through the wringer over the past year. A falling stock price, losses in the company's streaming division, weak earnings in consecutive quarters - these are the main reasons to say goodbye to Mr Bakish. CNBC reported that Bakish's exit was hastened by his opposition to the merger plan with Skydance. Let me know, what are your thoughts about this topic. You can find a link to the full article in the first comment under this post. Follow my profile to stay up-to-date when it comes to industry news, technology updates, and market analysis. #SzymonKarbowski #StreamVX #BobBakish #ParamountGlobal #ShariRedstone #Viacom #SkydanceMedia #RedBirdCapital #SonyPictures #ApolloGlobalManagement #TheWallStreetJournal #CNBC #NBCUniversal #Comcast

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It looks like I spoke too early, because the Paramount-Skydance merger talks have officially ended. Paramount Global's stock fell after controlling shareholder Shari Redstone decided to terminate the potential $8 billion deal with Skydance Media. The decision comes after vast negotiations and a detailed evaluation of the proposals on the table. The abrupt end to the Skydance deal caused Paramount's stock to drop significantly, reflecting investor disappointment and market volatility​. Led by David Ellison, the deal with Skydance was initially seen as a strategic move that would rejuvenate Paramount by combining its resources and experience with those of a proven production powerhouse. However, Redstone and Paramount's special committee faced multiple challenges, including disagreements over the deal's terms and concerns about regulatory hurdles. Ultimately, the deal's downfall reflects deeper uncertainties about the company's future direction and strategic priorities​. Investors are now closely watching Paramount’s next steps. The company still faces the challenge of finding a viable path forward amid ongoing industry consolidation and fierce competition in both traditional and streaming media. Paramount's leadership must now reassess its strategy to restore investor confidence and chart a course that leverages its diverse assets and rich content library​. Stay tuned as this story develops and Paramount navigates its next moves in the ever-evolving media landscape. #Paramount #Skydance #ParamountGlobal #SkydanceMedia #ShariRedstone #DavidEllison #Merger #MediaIndustry #StockMarket #BusinessNews

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#AI CAPEX investments are well into the trillions. VERY short period of time for capital to funnel in one direction (especially via banks over-indexed in commercial real estate). How fast does the ROI need to be for this level of [#FOMO] investment to make sense? #GenAI might be more speculation than savior. Great insight from CNBC's #jasminecwu, #LaurenBatchelor & Deirdre Bosa. https://lnkd.in/g4sySXvc

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Next round! Did you know that the music industry is proving to be a lucrative investment for funds? According to a recent article by Music Business Worldwide, the value of 1% in the Hipgnosis Songs Fund is worth a staggering $15.1 million. That's not bad at all! With Concord still bidding on the fund for $1.51 billion, it's clear that the value of music is not to be underestimated. #musicindustry #investmentopportunities #hipgnosissongsfund#musicacquisition#

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More gold from Tom Friedman

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Mission Critical - with all of the changes in the film world, we need to refocus on our core mission - no more rearranging the deck chairs - and figure out how you accomplish that mission in today's market. New post: https://lnkd.in/eAV_tQvS

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