AT&T

Exhibition

The Reemergence of the Studio Cartel System

September 25, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off on The Reemergence of the Studio Cartel System

A Federal Judge ended the Paramount decrees that ceased Hollywood’s monopoly on producing, distributing, and exhibiting films citing the move would “serve the public interest in free and unfettered competition.”

Broadcast & PayTV

Too Big To Fail

September 8, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off on Too Big To Fail

AT&T is desperate to sell some or all of DirecTV to pay down its $180 billion mountain of debt. According to inside sources, the satellite service is being offered at a $20 billion valuation, marking a $29 billion loss since 2015.

Streaming

The Paradox of Choice

March 8, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off on The Paradox of Choice

The major studios sabotaged the dream of a la carte programming and are now attempting to transform streaming into cable television via an ethernet connection instead of coaxial.

Streaming

Yet Another AT&T Video Service

March 4, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off on Yet Another AT&T Video Service

AT&T released its answer to subscriber losses with an all-new set-top service called AT&T TV, not to be confused with a plethora of other options. The basic package includes 100 channels.

Streaming

AVOD Market Heats Up

February 25, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off on AVOD Market Heats Up

Several media companies are holding discussions to acquire advertising-supported video streaming services. Fox Corp is in talks with Tubi, and NBCUniversal is considering Vudu.

Broadcast & PayTV

Cord-Cutting Gains Momentum

February 11, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off on Cord-Cutting Gains Momentum

In the fourth quarter, two million US subscribers cut the cord on traditional television packages from AT&T, Comcast, Charter, and Verizon, up from 1.7 million in the third quarter.

Streaming

Apple Considers MGM Buyout

January 15, 2020 FilmTake Comments Off on 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.

Exhibition

Hollywood Set to Own Theaters Again

November 20, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off on Hollywood Set to Own Theaters Again

The Department of Justice in the United States is preparing to allow Hollywood studios to own film theaters once again. This decision would reverse 70 years of anti-trust law that was implemented in 1948, which is known as the Paramount decrees.

Streaming

New Details Emerge About HBO Max

November 5, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off on New Details Emerge About HBO Max

AT&T’s WarnerMedia released details about its forthcoming streaming service HBO Max, which will officially launch in May 2020. The service will cost $14.99 a month, the same cost as HBO’s flagship service.

Cord Cutting Continues
Distribution

Cord Cutting Continues

July 28, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off on Cord Cutting Continues

During the second quarter, DirecTV’s traditional satellite service lost 778,000 subscribers and its streaming service DirecTV Now lost 168,000 accounts.

Big Spenders
Production

Hey Big Spenders

July 15, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off on Hey Big Spenders

To woo subscribers away from Netflix, Disney, AT&T, and Apple are spending big bucks to produce original series content.

Lionsgate: Up In Flames
Distribution

Up In Flames

April 30, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off on Up In Flames

Lionsgate lobbied to become the belle of the buyout ball last year in Hollywood, but Prince Charming never arrived.

Cord Cutting Accelerates
Distribution

Cord Cutting Accelerates

April 16, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off on Cord Cutting Accelerates

There is even more bad news for pay television providers. Unlike 2017, subscribers signing up for cheaper online television bundles are starting to contract.

Buyers Remorse
Distribution

Buyer’s Remorse

March 20, 2019 FilmTake Comments Off on Buyer’s Remorse

Beyond maintaining AT&T’s core telecom business, the company is beset with declining DirecTV subscribers and a host of problems at Time Warner and Warner Bros.