Could Netflix Become The Exclusive/Future Home Of Nickelodeon?

During the year, it was reported that WWE would be exiting linear television by 2025 with Raw, SmackDown and NXT alongside premium live events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam would be streaming exclusively on Netflix with more countries to be added soon.

This has boosted the media's interest on the streamer with some curious about what other projects the brand has in the pipeline. One of the brands I wouldn't really be shocked to see get purged soon would be Nickelodeon.

Nickelodeon is an international children's brand operated by Paramount Global. Since it's inception had brought animated shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House and Legend Of Korra alongside live-action shows like Drake & Josh, iCarly and The Thundermans.

As some readers are aware, Netflix and Nickelodeon have co-produced shows like Pinky Malinky, Glitch Techs and the upcoming live-action series for Avatar: The Last Airbender. On top of distributing films like Invader Zim: Enter The Flopus and Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling.

There was a point in time when Netflix was looking to acquire Paramount's studios before negotiations fell flat. Not long ago, Paramount announced that they'd be laying off 800 employees due to the effects of streamlining with fear lurking around their linear offering.

With WWE leaving linear television, the idea of more content being purged to streaming particularly Nickelodeon wouldn't seem far fetched a stretch. Disney had closed several channels across the world as most of their content gets integrated with Disney+.

Netflix has been doing a lot of quality control in recent months and looking to get decent content. They recently filmed a live-action series to popular anime One Piece and acquired exclusive rights to The Casagrandes Movie and The Fairly OddParents: Make A Wish.

As Expected, Warner Bros. Discovery Ends Merger Negotiations With Paramount

Warner Bros. Discovery has gone "pencils down" on a potential acquisition of Paramount Global, halting talks after several months of kicking the tires on merging the media companies, according to people familiar with the matter.

Skydance Media, the film and TV studio run by David Ellison, is still performing due diligence on a potential transaction, two of the people said.

Paramount Global has set up a special committee, which has hired its own financial advisor, to sift through potential bids for the whole company or certain assets. Media mogul Byron Allen offered $14 billion for the company last month, though he has a history of bidding on and not buying large media assets.

Comcast, the owner of CNBC parent NBCUniversal, isn't interested in acquiring Paramount Global assets, one of the people said. Comcast has been working with house bankers to explore a potential commercial partnership with Paramount Global, according to people familiar with the matter.

That could include bundling or merging streaming services Peacock and Paramount+, as previously reported by The Wall Street Journal, or a different arrangement. Still, it's unclear if Paramount Global would have interest in this as it explores sale scenarios.

Spokespeople for Comcast, Paramount Global, Skydance Media and Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment.

Paramount Global To Launch Paramount+ Branded Destination With Multichoice In Africa

Paramount Global Content Distribution announced a licensing deal today with MultiChoice to create a Paramount+ branded destination on the pan-African platform. This agreement is part of Paramount's strategy to expand the Paramount+ brand in more ways around the world, including making it available as a direct-to-consumer streaming service, through bundled partnerships in key markets as well as through branded destinations in local markets through licensing deals. Branded areas are currently available via Cosmote in Greece, Streamz in Belgium, Blast TV in Philippines, JioCinema in India and more to come.    

 

The branded destination offers African audiences’ direct access to new and returning television series as well as feature films and marks the debut of the Paramount+ brand in pan-Africa. MultiChoice viewers will have access to world-class content from CBS, Paramount+ Originals, SHOWTIME®, Paramount Pictures, and they will find iconic films and hit television series such as YELLOWSTONE, 1883, 1923, POKER FACE, SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES and upcoming new series LANDMAN as well as returning series like SURVIVOR.

 

“The expansion of our long-standing relationship with MultiChoice from a traditional licensing deal to a fully dedicated, Paramount+ branded destination on the platform is a testament to the tremendous effort of Paramount Global to continue to build the offering from multiple content pillars,” said Lisa Kramer, President, International Content Licensing, Paramount Global Content Distribution. “Consumers in the growing African market already equate Paramount with quality entertainment and we’re thrilled to now offer them a devoted space in which they can both access their favorite programming and discover new hit titles.”

 

"MultiChoice is excited to expand our partnership with Paramount Global to bring the Paramount+ brand to African audiences through our platform,” says Nomsa Philiso, CEO: General Entertainment, MultiChoice South Africa. “This agreement reflects our commitment to providing our viewers with world-class entertainment options and expands our offering with iconic content. We are proud to offer African viewers direct access to a dedicated space where they can enjoy their favourite programming and discover new hit titles, further enriching their entertainment experience."

WarnerMount Discovery: Could This Be What Awaits Warner Bros. Discovery And Paramount Global In The Coming Months?

Since last year, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global held talks of a potential merger. The news led to media outrage with #blockthemerger trending on X as a merger would lead to more layoffs and reduction in content output.

Not long ago, Paramount Global announced that they'd be laying off 800 employees due to the effects of streaming as the company is looking to transform. Prior to this, the parent company Amusement Park was looking to sell their shares in the company.

Aside from Warner Bros. Discovery, they also garnered interest from Skydance Media, Apollo Management and Byron Allen Group.

As some readers are aware, the formation of WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. prevented the company from making any transaction call (merger) for at least another 2 years and with that stipulation set to expire soon it has brought a lot of fear amongst readers.

One of which was the possible merger of these two companies and also the exit of Discovery Inc. with the company likely to be sold to Amazon etc. Although the deadline for the merger is approaching the chances of a merger seem unlikely.

Aside from growing interest for Paramount Global, the company is in talks with NBCUniversal to merge their streaming services. On top of that, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney are planning to launch a joint streaming service based of TNT Sports and ESPN.

If anything, it's likely that Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery will probably explore other ways of working together. Merger talks with NBCUniversal are still in early discussion and so it kind of gives Warner Bros. Discovery a chance to make a better offer.

Development Alert: Paramount+ And Peacock Are Reportedly In Discussion For A Potential Merger

Paramount+ and Peacock have reportedly started talks to merge into a single streaming according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

According to that report, Comcast and Paramount recently met to look at options to possibly merge their streaming services into a single streaming service, among other options. This would bring Paramount’s and NBCUniversal’s content under a single streaming app.

Details are still thin. No pricing, naming, or other details have been decided at this time. At this time, neither company has made any formal announcement about the talks.

Paramount+ had 63 million subscribers at the end of the 3rd quarter of 2023. Peacock recently announced that it hit 31 million subscribers paying for the service. Some subscribers pay for both but merging together will help the services compete with larger services like Max and Disney+.

Both services are still struggling to turn a profit. Paramount+ is expected to become profitable by the end of 2025. No timeline is known for when Peacock will become profitable. Merging the services could also help them reach profitability sooner.

Could Paramount Global Be Looking To Close Channels Soon As It Hints A Streamlined Portfolio?

During the week, Paramount Global had made headlines after it was reported that they'll be laying off 800 employees. This included Liz Paulson, head of animation and live-action at Nickelodeon and Geoff Stier, SVP, Original Programming at Showtime Networks.

Since then, consumers have been left shocked and in tremendous fear as to what fate awaits their businesses seen globally. In Africa, Paramount not only provides brands like MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon but produce various local content most of which is likely to get scrapped.

They've also appointed various people to manage these channels in Africa individually and as seen with MTV and Nick Jr. These brands are currently using globalised feeds with very little local variation and if anything they'll likely look into merging operations.

As to the closing of channels, Paramount Global doesn't dive into specifics but plans are underway to reduce content spend as they pivot towards streaming. This could lead to the cutback of channels particularly secondary brands like MTV Base and Nicktoons.

Since Disney+ inception, Disney has been closing various channels around the world. As some readers are aware, Amusement Park has been exploring a potential sale of Paramount Global with bids from Warner Bros. Discovery, Skydance Media and Byron Allen Group.

Byron Allen Group had talked about keeping the channels and making them cost effective while selling other properties. What that could imply is Paramount Global halting further distribution of TV channels in other countries and local broadcasters having to acquire the content.

If anything regions that still carry these channels will likely undergo content reconstruction as seen with CW and Disney XD. Both of which no longer offer first run original programming and licence content from third parties.

Development Alert (Rumour): Noggin Streaming Service Reportedly Shutting Down Soon

Noggin is an educational brand that was started in September 1999 before being replaced by Nick Jr. in 2009. Similar to Da Vinci, it started as a TV channel for a preteen audience featuring educational programs and other factual content like The Electric Company, Ghostwriter and 3-2-1 Contact.

it was revived as a streaming service by Paramount Global and Sesame Workshop featuring a line-up of original content outside of Nick Jr alongside archived material. Internationally, it is being distributed by Prime Video in the UK, Germany, France and Austria.

During the week, Paramount Global had made headlines after it was reported that they'll be laying off 800 employees. This included Liz Paulson, head of animation and live-action at Nickelodeon and Geoff Stier, SVP, Original Programming at Showtime Networks.

It had also been suggested by other sources that Noggin team's had also been affected by these layoffs. Similar to the parent company, there was reports going around that Paramount was looking to sell share in the venture.

New leads have pointed toward the company looking to shut down the streaming service. Although not official, Paramount had shuttered apps for Nickelodeon, BET and Comedy Central so it's likely that latter should it be true will probably integrate with Paramount+.

Paramount Global Layoffs: Paramount TV Studios Combines Development & Current, Other Senior Executives Impacted

Details are starting to emerge about the major round of layoffs Tuesday at Paramount Global impacting about 800 employees in the U.S.

Headed into today’s reductions, there had been chatter about Paramount TV Studios possibly downsizing. The studio, led by Nicole Clemens, has remained independent from the larger CBS Studios as the two combined support operations in November 2022 by centralizing finance, law, production, business affairs and casting.

Paramount TV Studios, which absorbed Paramount+’s scripted originals team in 2022, is now streamlining its programming operations by consolidating development and current under Head of Development Jana Helman, who will continue to report to studio president Clemens.

Leaving are Cheryl Bosnak, PTVS’s EVP and Head of Current; Kate Gill, SVP Development; Julie Katchen, VP of Current; and Devin Crossfield, Manager, Development.

Also departing is PTVS’ SVP and Head of Communications Dominic Pagone, who moved into the role a year ago after five years at Showtime and 18 at FX. CBS Studios and PTVS’ communications operations are now being consolidated under CBS Studios’ EVP Communications Kristen Hall.

CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios’ development/current teams will remain separate.

PTVS established a stand-alone current department in 2019 when former Disney ABC current executive Bosnak was brought in to lead it.

All Paramount divisions are said to be impacted by the layoffs.

At Nickelodeon, Liz Paulson, head of animation and live-action casting and talent development for the network and studio content for third-party platforms, is leaving. The division’s talent department is being decentralized, I hear. Nick’s animation department has been significantly impacted, with close to 10 layoffs on both coasts.

Other notable TV executive departures so far include Brie Neimand, SVP, Current, Cable and Streaming Series at CBS Studios, who has been at the studio for 2 1/2 years; and Geoff Stier, SVP, Original Programming at Showtime Networks, who has been there for five years.

Today’s layoffs represent about 3% of Paramount’s global head count. At the start of 2023, Paramount had 24,500 full- and part-time employees in 37 countries, with another 5,800 project-based staffers.

“To those with whom we are parting ways, we are incredibly grateful for your hard work and dedication,” Paramount CEO Bob Bakish wrote in a company memo at the start of the layoffs this morning. “Your talents have helped us advance our mission of unleashing the power of content around the world.”

Like other traditional media companies, Paramount has been hampered by a slowdown in advertising as it navigates the transition from linear TV to streaming.

Byron Allen Looking To Make MTV, Nickelodeon And Comedy Central "Cost Efficient", How Does This Impact Paramount Global's Linear Channels?

Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global were reportedly in talks for a potential merger. Fast forward to the present, Shari Redstone is looking to sell her shares at Amusement Park with Skydance that has collaborated with the company on various films making their bid with Byron Allen topping them.

As reported sometime ago, Allen Media Group made a proposal to acquire Paramount Global for $30 billion (R562 billion) part of which helps them cover up pending debts. Should this deal move forward, they would keep TV channels and the Paramount+ streaming service intact while selling off film studios and other intellectual properties.

The impact on TV channels in the United States

Byron Allen, the founder of Allen Media Group is looking to make these brands cost effective. Selling off "film studios and other intellectual properties" is another way to minimise expenses. It's not really known whether Allen will look to retaining various content from Nickelodeon and MTV.

Similar to CW, it's likely that we'll be seeing Nickelodeon and MTV relying more on third party content and possibly distributing even lesser originals. As mentioned, he was looking to run them on a more "cost-efficient basis". Nickelodeon has garnered popularity for shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Loud House, MTV on the other features shows like Teen Mom and Ridiculousness.

The impact on TV channels on a wider spectrum

With Nickelodeon and MTV getting less content, Paramount will likely look into closing channels across the country. This was likely implied when they mentioned selling off "film studios and other intellectual properties" I mean the company in question doesn't have much international presence.

There's always chances that they could retain a portion of channels such as Comedy Central and BET while secondary networks like Nicktoons and MTV Base cease to exist as they won't be much content to supplement the existing line-up of channels.

But then again Sony once offered linear services across the country before closing down most feeds while a few such as the UK were put under different management. Disney had been reducing the carbon footprint for Disney Channel while it continues to operate in the United States.

The future of SpongeBob SquarePants and Ridiculousness

As mentioned, Allen is looking to sell their film studios and it's possible that they could retain the more relevant brands such as Nickelodeon Animation Studios and sell majority of Paramount Pictures. There's been various companies that had their eye on their studios such as Netflix, Skydance, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney perhaps one of them could look into acquiring.

As for the content in general, Paramount's remaining offering could be licenced to various local broadcasters I mean should these channels not have much of a presence globally.

Rumour: Paramount Global Could Soon Integrate MTV Latin America Within Europe, Middle East, Africa And Asia (EMEAA)

Following Paramount Global's strategy to centralize its cable signals, the next channel that could be affected is MTV for all of Latin America, according to the company's plans. It is expected that the administration of the signal will be carried out from Europe, following an approach similar to that adopted by Nickelodeon Latin America months ago.

In the case of MTV Brazil, the programming grids of the new European signal have already been loaded into the Paramount EMEAA (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia) system, with a start date of Tuesday, February 20. 

Among the most notable differences for the new signal is the return of Ridiculousness to the programming, and the elimination of the MTV Hits block. Changes are also observed in the time distribution, such as the expansion of the Naninha MTV block, which will now be broadcast from 3:20 a.m. m. instead of 4 a.m. m., and the transfer of the Tudão MTV night block to the mornings, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. m. to 9 a.m. m. 

At the same time, the absence of programs such as RuPaul's Drag Race, Drag Race Brasil and Tinder Apresenta - MTV Beija Sapo on the new European signal is striking. However, there is a possibility that these programs will eventually be reinstated, since programming grids are always subject to change.

Despite these slight modifications, the new signal largely retains MTV's current programmatic structure, maintaining a combination of music and reality blocks. The most obvious changes seem to focus more on technical aspects, since Paramount is migrating the operation of its channels to the Netherlands as part of its centralization strategy.

Thanks to the Paramount EMEAA system, we also know that the company plans the same fate for Comedy Central Spain in the near future. It should be noted that MTV in Brazil has already adopted the European schedule structure for some time, without round schedules, possibly preparing for the transition to the new signal without it being abrupt for viewers. 

It is important to clarify that, although there are already programming grids for this new signal in Brazil, the case of Nickelodeon's recent European signals must be considered, whose grids were loaded into the system several days before being officially placed on the air. 

For example, Nick Panregional began broadcasting in October, but its grids were first published in August. The same happened with Nick México, whose grids were loaded in October before its start of transmission in November. In this context, there is still no definitive date for the change in MTV Brazil. In addition, there is also information about a new European signal from MTV Latin America, for which grids have not yet been loaded. 

MTV carried out a reduction of feeds last year, when it began to have a single signal for all of Latin America, in addition to the Brazilian signal. In that process, Feed Sur, which previously offered 18 hours of music daily, was eliminated. Now, there is only the so-called Feed Norte, with a few hours of music in the morning, while the rest of the programming is mainly made up of series and reality shows such as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, The Challenge and Acapulco Shore, among others.

Sources: TVLaint

Byron Allen Makes $30 Billion Offer For All of Paramount Global

Byron Allen, who made headlines last year with his unsolicited bid to buy key assets from Walt Disney, is at it again with a $30 billion offer to acquire Paramount Global, Allen Media Group confirmed to sources.

Allen, whose Allen Media Group owns The Weather Channel, LocalNow, and more than two dozen local affiliate channels, is offering $28.58 for each voting share of Paramount, more than a 50% of its Tuesday closing price of $13.68, according to Bloomberg, which first reported on the news. The deal also includes an offer of $21.53 for non-voting shares. The offer to buy the outstanding shares equates to $14.3 billion, it said.

Despite its size and breadth of assets, Allen Media Group had largely operated quietly, ironic given Allen’s roots in comedy and show business. But the spotlight shone on the company after Allen made a $10 billion unsolicited bid for the ABC network, affiliates and cable channels like FX last summer, an offer Disney ultimately turned down.

Allen also pursued BET when Paramount shopped the cable network around last year, although that deal also fell short, despite some chatter in December. Now, Allen Media Group is back to buy the entire company.

“Mr. Byron Allen did submit a bid on behalf of Allen Media Group and its strategic partners to purchase all of Paramount Global’s outstanding shares,” a spokesman for Allen Media Group told sources. “We believe this $30 billion offer, which includes debt and equity, is the best solution for all of the Paramount Global shareholders, and the bid should be taken seriously and pursued.”

A spokesman for Paramount declined to comment.

The offer comes amid increased chatter of Paramount looking to make a deal, with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Paramount CEO Bob Bakish in talks about a potential merger. While that the prospects of a transaction there has fizzled, Skydance Media CEO David Ellison, whose studio was behind Paramount films like Top Gun: Maverick and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, has also made a preliminary bid to buy National Amusements, the company run by Shari Redstone that owns a controlling stake in the media company.

Allen doesn’t want to keep the entire company. He intends to sell the Paramount film studio, one of the most storied in the entertainment business, the real estate and its intellectual property. He will keep the TV channels like Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, as well as its Paramount+ streaming service, according to Bloomberg.

The report also said he sent his offer via text message to senior management and the board members.

This isn’t the first time Allen has made an offer for a major media asset. Beyond his bids for BET and the Disney assets, he also tried to buy TV station owner Tegna and even an NFL football team.

Development Alert: Disney Nordic Announce The Closure Of Disney Junior In Denmark While VH1 Is Being Replaced By NickMusic

Disney is closing more channels

After Disney closed and merged the Scandinavian feed of Disney Channel within EMEA/Southern Africa by 2023. It is was revealed through Digitalt.TV that the company will no longer distribute Disney Junior in Denmark by the end of February with content folded under Disney Channel.

Considering this was a decision made by Disney in the Nordic countries it's likely that Disney Junior could be going off air in Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Of course the pay-tv operator was based in Denmark so nothing can be confirmed as yet.

As mentioned, Disney Channel's feeds in these regions are all aligned with Southern Africa and if anything it's possible that Disney Junior's days for the rest of Europe could be numbered.

Although, it's just mere speculation Disney Channel has been running low on content following cancellations of Bunk'd and The Ghost And Molly McGee. It's basically become a graveyard for Disney+ programming such as Chip 'n Dale: Park Life and Cars On The Road.

NickMusic expands to Denmark

VH1 was an international entertainment channel which was basically a mash up of MTV and BET. It is operated by Paramount Global and over the last decade the company had been dismantling the trademark with various channels closed in most parts of the world.

After a viewer in Denmark had spotted VH1 with no EPG, it lead some to believe in the possible demise of the channel. Now Norlys is reporting that VH1 will fold under Nick trademark with NickMusic despite the existence of MTV.

Nick Music already has a presence in parts of Latin America and Europe broadcasting a large selection of music videos and music-related content for the whole family. By the end of March, Denmark will join these territories as VH1 exits the region.

Apollo Global Management Is Looking To Set It's Bid For A Possible Acquisition Of Paramount Global

National Amusements, Inc., the Shari Redstone-led company that owns the majority of voting shares in Paramount Global, is reportedly fielding interest from another entity mulling an acquisition offer. Apollo Global Management is among the wealthy individuals and companies that have contacted the investment bank advising NAI, BDT & MSD Partners, according to Bloomberg.

NAI owns a portfolio of movie theaters as well as nearly 80% of voting shares. As with recently discussed scenarios involving Skydance Media and RedBird Capital, the Apollo deal would be a route to gain control of Paramount, though the voting shares owned by NAI do not represent a majority of the economic value of the company, only most of its voting class of shares.

Redstone, who spent years gaining control of Viacom and CBS, withstanding legal challenges and objections from critics including her own father, the late Sumner Redstone, has been more willing than ever to entertain offers. Paramount, which was formed when Viacom and CBS reunited in 2019, has struggled due to pay-TV cord-cutting, a soft ad market, a loss-producing streaming operation and volatility in the movie business. While its namesake film studio has had its share of hits, including last weekend’s Mean Girls, the broader company does not have the scale of many media rivals. With its stock worth less than half of what it was when the merger closed, Redstone reportedly is open to turning the page if the right offer comes along.

Paramount shares perked up late in the trading day Friday on the report of Apollo’s interest, rising 2% to close at $13.40.

Apollo is one of the more active private equity players in media, with stakes in companies like Dune producer Legendary Entertainment, Peter Chernin’s North Road, Cox Media Group and Yahoo. It has also been a player in the TV station sector, taking part in the proposed takeover of Tegna by Standard General, which was ultimately quashed by regulators.

Recap To Last Year: How The Merger Of Paramount Global And Warner Bros. Discovery Could Bring The End Of Cartoon Network (And Nickelodeon)?

Last year, it was reported that Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global were in early talks of a potential merger. The news was met with mixed to negative feedback from consumers with some more concerned about the future of Paw Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Warner Bros. Discovery had further distanced themselves from their 6-12 demographic which is where Cartoon Network falls in order to prioritise Adult Swim. Through a survey, it was revealed that a majority of the network's audience particularly primetime are adults.

Internationally, Cartoon Network continues to operate independently but too has seen some distancing in recent years particularly for content produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe and Warner Bros. Animation.

Paramount Global serving as a successor still prioritise the kids offering with some fearing that Nickelodeon could end up being what remains of Cartoon Network. If not worse a possible merger between these two brands and their programming.

Warner Bros. Discovery offers Boing and Boomerang in parts of the world while Paramount Global offers TeenNick, Nicktoons and NickAtNite all of which could be folded under one hub. But the idea of keeping both brands intact wouldn't seem far fetched.

Nickelodeon has an existing slate of live-action productions something Cartoon Network has been struggling to maintain since it's inception. Perhaps Nickelodeon could prioritise live-action more while further animation is distributed by Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation.

Recap To Last Year: How The Possible Merger Of Paramount Global And Warner Bros. Discovery Merge Nicktoons With Boing And Boomerang?

Boomerang was international children's channel operated by Warner Bros. Discovery that featured past content from Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network. Internationally, it served as a complimentary brand to Cartoon Network with a family based offering.

Some content to have been viewed on Boomerang before it's rebrand to Cartoonito included Grizzy And The Lemmings, Mr. Magoo, New Looney Tunes and Be Cool, Scooby-Doo. It's predecessor Cartoonito serves as a fresh outtake to the nostalgic brand.

Cartoonito seeks to maintain the Boomerang DNA with the latter but in retrospect. It's more like sister channel Cartoon Network which had grown distance from its older programming.

Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global were said to be in early talks of a potential merger. This could see brands like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network operate under the same umbrella but questions amounted to the future of their other kids brands.

Warner Bros. Discovery had been slowly scrapping Cartoon Network Studios and folding it under Warner Bros. Animation so it's less likely that Nickelodeon Animation Studios will be treated any different. Ideally, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network's linear counterpart could remain intact.

If anything, a restructuring could be underway for this offering if the merger moves forward. Nickelodeon could revert into the TeenNick of children's TV as they've built stable hits like Drake And Josh, iCarly and Henry Danger with further animation under Cartoon Network.

With animation moving away from Nickelodeon, this would bring about the end of the Nicktoons trademark. Warner Bros. Discovery offering Boomerang and Boing could use these brands to supplement Nicktoons in other countries.

In parts of Europe and Africa, Boing is likely to lead the way as it served as a more modern outtake to Boomerang. It wasn't centred solely on past programming and Warner had often licenced content that wasn't viewed on either Cartoon Network and Cartoonito.

New Paramount Merger Scenario Has Skydance Reportedly Mulling All-Cash Bid For National Amusements

The Wall Street Journal reported this afternoon that Skydance, with backing from other investors, is considering an all-cash bid for National Amusements. The Shari Redstone-led company controls nearly 80% of Paramount shares and is the gatekeeper for any M&A deal.

Redstone became non-executive chair of Paramount’s board after spending years engineering a merger of CBS and Viacom, with the combined company rebranding as Paramount Global in 2022. She has reportedly grown increasingly interested in fielding offers for the company in recent months. Like many of its media peers, Paramount has lost significant value due to cord-cutting, streaming expenses and concerns about its debt.

Skydance and Paramount declined to comment. Reps from National Amusements and Paramount did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The future of Paramount has been a fixture of industry conversations over the past month or more. Sources first reported that Skydance and RedBird Capital were taking a look at National Amusements, with that news giving Paramount shares a big boost, though they have been relatively flat in the intervening weeks.

Paramount shares perked up a bit after the latest report, but have been flat today. At $14.25, they are worth less than half what they were after the Viacom-CBS merger closed in December 2019.

One of the backers of the current bid by David Ellison’s Skydance is Ellison’s father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, according to the WSJ report. The bid for control of National Amusements centers on Paramount Pictures, which Skydance has collaborated with extensively, financing several Mission: Impossible installments and 2022 megahit Top Gun: Maverick. The fit at Skydance of other core Paramount assets like CBS, its two-dozen-plus local TV stations and the cable TV assets is less clear.

One industry vet told Deadline the new report appeared to be “a little early” in the process given the extent of due diligence involved, including the data from Paramount+ and other streaming operations. “It’s not unusual for companies to leak these kinds of reports if they’re looking to boost their share price or get the attention of other potential suitors,” the source added.

In addition to its Paramount stake, National Amusements also runs a string of movie theaters. Byron Trott, Chairman and Co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners, has been helping NAI evaluate its strategic options. Trott’s firm made a $125 million preferred equity investment in the company last spring.

While privately held firms like Skydance are circling Paramount, fellow media giant Warner Bros. Discovery has also expressed interest in a potential team-up. While WBD chief David Zaslav discussed a combo over lunch with Paramount CEO Bob Bakish just before Christmas, the talks have not progressed in the new year.

News Shorts: VH1 To Cease Transmission In Italy And Possibly Denmark, A Rebroadcast Of The Scent Of Passions Launches Across Africa On Telemundo And Warner Bros. Discovery To Rollout A Rebranded Max Streaming In Latin America By Early 2024

VH1 is closing down in more countries

VH1 was an international entertainment channel which was basically a mash up of MTV and BET. It is operated by Paramount Global and over the last decade the company had been dismantling the trademark with various channels closed in most parts of the world.

Through an electronic programme guide by a viewer in Denmark, VH1 schedule will run until the end of New Year's Day. Thereafter, the channel will no longer have a 24 hour schedule available for consumption leading some to believe the possible demise of the brand.

Considering that the channel will be shutting down in Italy a few days after Denmark's possible closure. It wouldn't seem far fetched if the same fate awaited these consumers as Paramount Global had been exploring a potential sale of the brand under the BET Group.

Telemundo welcomes its third rebroadcast

During the month, it was reported that Telemundo will be increasing the timeslots for the on/off again series Case Closed and Decisions. Also within the new year will be the launch of a new series Game Of Lies starring Maria Elisa Camargo and Arap Bethke.

Prior to its debut, Telemundo will be adding a rebroadcast of The Scent Of Passions in Law Of The Heart's current timeslot from 8 January.

Sebastián Vallejo, a member of the rich family that owns the Casablanca coffee plantation, falls in love with the nice and honest coffee picker Teresa Suárez, known as La Gaviota; their romance is full of difficulties.

Max expands to Latin America

A statement presented by Costa Rican cable operator Tigo confirmed that HBO Max will be relaunched as Max in the next month of February, at a close yet to be defined. The rebranding plans were originally scheduled for the end of 2023 in our region, since the platform has made the change in the United States during the last month of May. 

The new identity of the streaming platform sets aside the characteristic color painted by a powerful new blue, and will bring with it the content of the Discovery+ platform, which was never launched in Latin America except Brazil, as a product of the merger between Warner Bros. Discovery. 

Latin America will be the first region at an international level in which HBO Max will make the switch to Max, as at the moment it was the first territory outside the United States to launch the service. Also in 2024, Max will reach Europe and Southeast Asia. This last region is especially relevant, as HBO Max never reached it.

Recap To The Month: Byron Allen Offers To Buy BET From Paramount Global For $3.5 Billion

Allen, who is founder and CEO of Allen Media Group, emailed Paramount Global senior executives and board, offering $3.5 billion for BET Media Group, which includes the BET cable channel, VH1, BET Studios and streaming service BET+, sources familiar with the situation confirmed to Variety. That’s up from $2.7 billion that Allen had offered earlier in 2023.

Reps for Paramount Global and Allen Media Group declined to comment. Bloomberg first reported on Allen’s renewed offer for BET. Other potential buyers of BET Media Group include BET CEO Scott Mills, a 26-year veteran of the company, and Chinh Chu, a former executive at private-equity firm Blackstone executive who runs CC Capital Partners, who have discussed a price tag of under $2 billion, Bloomberg reported.

In the email to Paramount brass, Allen wrote, “You are pursuing an inside sale at a below-market price with management that will not yield the highest price for the stockholders. We believe it would be an egregious breach of fiduciary duty by the Paramount Global management team and board of directors if BET is sold for anything less than the highest price, particularly, in order to provide a sweetheart deal to an insider at the expense of public shareholders.”

Earlier this year, Paramount Global had been exploring the sale of a majority stake in BET Media Group, with bidders said to include Allen, Tyler Perry and Sean “Diddy” Combs. In August, Paramount called off the bidding process for BET because “a sale wouldn’t result in any meaningful deleveraging of its balance sheet,” the Wall Street Journal reported.

The renewed interest in a deal for BET comes amid talks between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global about a potential merger. Meanwhile, Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements owns a controlling stake in Paramount Global, has been in talks to sell her shares in NAI, according to multiple reports.

A deal for BET Media Group would dramatically expand Allen’s media empire. Allen Media Group, which encompasses Entertainment Studios (founded 30 years ago as CF Entertainment), owns 12 cable networks, including the Weather Channel, JusticeCentral.TV, Cars.TV and Pets.TV, a theatrical movie distribution company and a stable of 28 broadcast stations affiliated with the Big Four broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC). Allen Media Group also produces, distributes, and sells advertising for 73 television shows, making it one of the largest independent producers/distributors of first-run syndicated TV programming for broadcast stations. The company has nearly 2,300 employees.

More Cord Cutting Might Await Brands Like Nicktoons And MTV Base If Merger Between Paramount Global And Warner Bros. Discovery Moves Forward

During the week, it was reported that Paramount

Global and Warner Bros. Discovery were exploring a potential merger. For now, Warner Bros. Discovery can't look at merging with another entity until April 2024 and talks are said to be in the early stages so it's not known whether they'll go through with the plan.

For a while now, we had explored a variety of outcomes pertaining to the offering on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. Not long ago, expanded into the general entertainment section with Smithsonian Channel alongside MTV and Comedy Central with this article pertaining to secondary brands.

Paramount Global operates brands like Comedy Central Extra, BET Gospel, BET Hip-Hop, MTV Base, MTV Hits, Nick@Nite, TeenNick and Nicktoons while Warner Bros. Discovery offers Discovery Family, Real Time, Discovery Max, Boing and Toonami.

With Paramount's possible downsizing to Warner Bros. Discovery, the latter might not have much content left for all these channels and might look into closing them down if not merging in some countries.

Take for instance Nick Jr., Paramount Global was able to operate the channel separately from Nickelodeon with its own slate of content and with this consolidation the latter similar to Nicktoons will most likely cease to exist if not merge under Nickelodeon.

Considering that a ton of archived projects would be available at hand, it's possible the Nicktoons concept could remain intact and looking at the size of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount maybe Boing/Boomerang could become a worthy successor to Nicktoons.

Nicktoons doesn't serve much purpose especially if they're not looking to produce animation under Nickelodeon. Warner's portfolio has more consumption than Paramount and shows like Paw Patrol and SpongeBob would get more exposure on Cartoon Network.

Despite not as big of an consumption, these channels do have plenty of exposure in other countries so much so that Paramount Global could explore a potential sale to these channels.

How The Possible Merger Of Warner Bros. Discovery And Paramount Global Could Dismantle MTV And Comedy Central?

MTV and Comedy Central are general entertainment brands operated by Paramount Global that distribute a variety of content ranging from reality shows, sitcoms, films and animation. They have garnered traction for productions like Ridiculousness and South Park.

As seen in the last decade, their linear counterparts had been reduced to waste. If you tune into MTV, the youth oriented brand airs Ridiculousness for most of the day which serves as the Teen Titans GO! of the network while Comedy Central is slumped over shows like The Big Bang Theory and Two And A Half Men.

During the week, it was reported that Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery were exploring a potential merger. For now, Warner Bros. Discovery can't look at merging with another entity until April 2024 and talks are said to be in the early stages so it's not known whether they'll go through with the plan.

Ideally, if a merger were to happen MTV could be dismantled or revert back to being a music oriented brand and take up the identities of the current MTV Base and MTV Hits channels across Europe. Award shows and live performances could remain intact on this restructured brand.

Warner Bros. Discovery doesn't offer a music brand or at least not on cable or streaming and MTV would be one way to sort of expand on that. They operate a number of TV channels most of which could be purged if not sold if this merger moves forward.

Then shows like Catfish: The TV Show and Ridiculousness could fold under HBO adult centred line-up while The Challenge could compliment Discovery's existing portfolio. TLC could inherit Ex On The Beach, Jersey Shore, Love And Hip-Hop and Teen Moms.

Comedy Central had become the Adult Swim of Paramount Global with South Park laying out most of the punches. All of this could as well be folded under Adult Swim and Cartoon Network with live-action residing on HBO leaving the linear component to serve only reruns to sitcoms.

HBO could even give the brand a dedicated block and use it as a trademark for sitcoms produced under their brand.