Distribution

The Media Conundrum: A Complex Interplay of Consolidation, Mergers, and Streaming Misfortunes

Unstoppable declines in linear television subscribers coupled with challenges in achieving profits in freshly minted streaming services have led most media companies on the road to consolidation. Over the next 12 months, Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, and NBCUniversal will likely be impacted by consolidation.

Distribution

Starz Lost Access to Pay-One Rights for Major Studio Films

Starz’s access to third-party content was severely diminished when it lost Pay-One rights to films released by Sony Pictures after Netflix swopped in last year. Starz only has Pay-One rights to films released by its sibling company, Lionsgate, which HBO and FX previously held.

Distribution

Universal’s Unique Deal Bifurcates Pay-One Rights Between Multiple Streamers

Universal Pictures bifurcates the 18-month Pay-One Film Licensing Window for its streaming service Peacock and Amazon. After four initial months on Peacock, Universal’s live-action films will stream exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video for ten months before returning to Peacock for the final four months.

Broadcast & PayTV

The Lasting Effects

As a result of diminishing content availability precipitated by production delays and cancellations, there will be large programming gaps for traditional television networks and OTT platforms to fill over the next two years.

Streaming

Apple Considers MGM Buyout

After the abysmal start to Apple’s new streaming service, Apple TV+, the tech company is searching for relevance with a new leader and a possible strategic acquisition.

Streaming

Netflix Takes Europe

To gain a global content edge, Netflix has set into motion a EU production boom with plans to produce over 225 films and shows in Europe. Netflix currently controls 53% of the SVOD market in Europe.

Streaming

Streaming in America

Since first delivering DVDs to homes via the postal service, Netflix has come to dominate the SVOD market. The streamer has 67 million subscribers in North America, which takes its total to nearly 160 million worldwide.

Production

Netflix Outspends

The reason for this lavishly spending spree is in response to new streaming competition by the studios and the upcoming exodus of content.

Lionsgate Films Bound For Disney
Distribution

Lionsgate Films Are Disney Bound

Starting in 2020, films released by Lionsgate will be distributed on the Hulu streaming service, and FX, the basic-cable channel now owned by Disney after the takeover of Fox.