All articles tagged with #media merger
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Common Dreams
The Trump administration reportedly favors a bid by Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, raising concerns about potential corruption and media consolidation, with critics warning of increased corporate control over news and entertainment.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by The Guardian
The article discusses the potential acquisition of Bari Weiss's media company, the Free Press, by Paramount Global, which would position Weiss as a key influencer in CBS's editorial direction, particularly on issues related to Israel and free speech, amid broader concerns about media bias and political influence in the US.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Forbes
Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison orchestrated an $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, transforming their influence in Hollywood, with Larry controlling the equity and David overseeing operations, amid regulatory concessions and strategic financial arrangements.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Variety
Skydance Media has committed to appointing an ombudsman to review bias complaints at CBS and has confirmed that Paramount has eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as part of its efforts to secure FCC approval for its $8 billion merger with Paramount Global. The company emphasizes its commitment to unbiased journalism and diverse viewpoints, while also aligning with recent regulatory pressures to reduce DEI programs in media companies.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by TechCrunch
Reliance and Disney have finalized an $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media assets, forming a joint venture that dominates 85% of India's streaming market and half of its TV viewership. Reliance will control the venture, holding 63.16% of shares, while Disney retains the rest. The merger combines platforms like JioCinema and Hotstar, and includes valuable media rights such as the Indian Premier League. The venture aims to offer diverse content at affordable prices, with Nita Ambani as chair and Uday Shankar as vice chair.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Hollywood Reporter
Gerald Levin, the former CEO of Time Warner, has passed away at the age of 84. He is remembered for orchestrating the disastrous merger of Time Warner and AOL, which resulted in a historic $100 billion write-down and significant losses for shareholders and employees. Despite this, Levin was also known for his early successes at HBO and his efforts in pushing for social change, holistic healthcare, and gun control.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Reuters
Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have announced the merger of their India TV and streaming media assets, creating an $8.5 billion entertainment powerhouse with Reliance holding a majority stake. The merger aims to address Disney's struggles in the Indian market, particularly in its streaming business, and will give Reliance significant bargaining power in advertising contracts. The combined entity will have 120 TV channels, two streaming platforms, and cricket rights, positioning it as a major player in India's media and entertainment sector.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Variety
The Walt Disney Company and Reliance Industries have merged their Indian TV and streaming businesses, with Reliance's Viacom18 merging with Disney's Star India in a deal estimated at $8.5 billion. The merged entity will have Reliance owning 16.3%, Viacom18 owning 46.8%, and Disney owning 36.8%, with Nita Ambani as chair and Uday Shankar as vice chair. The joint venture aims to reshape the Indian media and entertainment scene, commanding a 40% market share and exclusive rights to distribute Disney films in India. This move comes after Disney's dominance in India was challenged by Reliance's suite of Jio-branded operations, and the merger is expected to attract regulatory attention.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Variety
Disney is merging its news division and local stations, appointing veteran executive Debra OConnell to lead the new division encompassing ABC News and its local station operations. OConnell will oversee ABC News President Kim Godwin and Stations President Chad Matthews, reporting to Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. The move comes as ABC News faces challenges in the changing media landscape, with declining viewership in key demographics. OConnell, who has experience in various areas of the Disney portfolio, expressed excitement about working with the teams to strategize for the future.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox Business
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is reportedly not actively pursuing a deal with Paramount Global, but exploratory conversations have taken place. While a merger between the two studios is not currently imminent, the possibility of a partnership or combination in the future remains open. Zaslav's recent meeting with Paramount CEO Bob Bakish primarily focused on the potential sale of Shari Redstone's stake in Paramount's parent company. Debt and declining audience share are among the concerns for Warner Bros. Discovery, but the integration of Paramount's movie studio and library of films with Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service Max could be attractive. Paramount's deteriorating business conditions have led to its interest in selling, but uncertainties about its programming future make potential buyers cautious.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
Rupert Murdoch's decision to step back from day-to-day oversight of his media empire has paved the way for his son, Lachlan, to take sole control of the businesses. However, the question of who will control the trust that votes the family's shares after Rupert Murdoch's passing remains unanswered. Speculation suggests that Rupert Murdoch may be preparing for another attempt to merge Fox Corporation and News Corp, a move he backed away from last year. Any potential merger would likely be preceded by a sale of parts of News Corp, including its real estate business. The media industry is undergoing significant shifts, and the Murdochs have shown a willingness to consider various options, including a sale, to ensure the future success of their businesses.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Financial Times
A media company that was set to merge with a firm owned by former President Donald Trump has revealed an $18 million preliminary settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The settlement relates to allegations of misleading investors about the company's financial health.