Amazon Prime Video Joins Elite Masters Broadcast Partners
We’re about an hour away from Amazon Prime Video’s debut as a live Masters broadcast partner. Amazon is just the fourth media partner ever in the Masters’ history. https://t.co/qUkOz2jivs
Fans Prefer Free Content Over Paying Extra
Shocking results here — Fans prefer stuff they like for free rather than for extra money. Glad Fox took a poll on this one.
Donovan on MLS Immaturity, World Cup Keys, Near‑death Experience
Really good talk with soccer superstar Landon Donovan on why the MLS wasn’t mature enough for its rights deal with Apple, the two things that will determine if the World Cup is a success for the USMNT, and a harrowing...
MLB Faces Historic Shift Amid Lockout and Rights Turmoil
I’m live from Citi Field on MLB Opening Day … more on this story coming up next on @cnbc MLB faces a historic shift as potential lockout, media rights and other league changes loom https://t.co/JW1ELqWbFF
TGL TV Ratings Expected to Surpass 600k Tonight
I have a feeling tonight's TGL TV ratings may be slightly higher than the 500-600k it's been averaging.
Disney Expands Reach by Adding Sara to The View
I’m obviously not unbiased here, but good on Disney to bring on Sara/CNBC talent to The View. Helps to expand all of our worlds.
Make Oscars a Live Betting Spectacle
I think the entire Oscars should embrace the betting angle. Have the presenters announce live odds when they say the names of each nominee, have Conan do a bunch of Kalshi live look ins on Best Picture as the show...
NFL Offers CBS 50% Higher Deal, Extends Contract to 2034
The NFL has begun talking to Paramount/CBS Sports about a new deal. I'm told the current bid-ask spread midpoint is about 50-60% higher, and in return, the NFL would simply lift its current 2029-30 opt out and keep the CBS deal...
TNT Secures Exclusive U.S. FIBA Rights Amid Merger Uncertainty
This is exactly the type of deal I discuss in today's newsletter ... will a Paramount/WBD merged company do these smaller sports rights deals anymore? The calculus will definitely change for TNT ... https://t.co/DvKzUkqcDr
Hollywood Execs Prioritize Cost Cuts over Creative Talent
After Hollywood turned on David Zaslav for being too much of a bean counter/financier, I’m sure The Town will appreciate David Ellison’s answer to being asked how many layoffs are coming w/ merging w/ WBD: “We absolutely need to rationalize the...
Merger Threats Undermine TNT Sports Strategy and Leadership
This week’s CNBC Sport newsletter is out: *Why TNT Sports’ strategy no longer makes sense if WBD & Paramount come together *Jeff Shell’s future up in the air *There will be no David Ellison/David Zaslav “men in blazers” photo on the...
Paramount CEO: No Asset Sales if WBD Merger Proceeds
Paramount CEO David Ellison says no asset sales planned at this time if WBD deal goes through.
Paramount to Merge Paramount+ with HBO Max
On investor call, Paramount confirms it plans to put P+ and HBO Max together, making one service from the two.
My December Take on the Netflix‑Warner Bros. Deal
Here’s what I wrote back in December, the day after the Netflix deal with WBD was announced: https://t.co/aiNBd98ACC
Triple Win: Netflix, WBD, and Paramount All Profit
As I wrote months ago, there was only one “win win win” here … 1) Netflix gets the break fee 2) WBD gets even more money from Para 3) Para gets the bone it wants
Netflix Rejects Paramount Offer, Cites Brand Stewardship
Netflix declines to match Paramount offer for WBD: We believe we would have been strong stewards of Warner Bros.’ iconic brands, and that our deal would have strengthened the entertainment industry and preserved and created more production jobs in the U.S.
Investors Question Netflix's Push for WBD Amid Skepticism
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos will say he looks long term, but if Netflix ups its bid for WBD, investors who clearly are skeptical about the deal — even as is — may get even more concerned: why does Netflix want...
Paramount's $31 per Share Bid Not Final, WBD Says
Clearly, WBD has been told or is inferring Paramount's $31/shr offer is still not the company's "best and final" offer -- and ongoing saga that still hasn't ended.
Disney's Comm Chief Kristina Schake Exits with Iger
And.... some big Disney news too. Chief of comms Kristina Schake will leave on March 18 to coincide with Bob Iger's CEO departure. No replacement named.
WBD Board Holds Off Decision on PSKY vs Netflix
“The Board has not made a determination as to whether the revised PSKY proposal is superior to the merger with Netflix. WBD will engage further with PSKY to determine if a proposal that constitutes a “Company Superior Proposal,” as defined...
WBD Board Says Para Offer May Prompt Superior Bid
Para offer —> $31/shr with $0.25 ticking fee…. WBD board says “Could Reasonably Be Expected to Lead to a “Company Superior Proposal””