It’s time to take a breather and look for a fresh start. That seems to be the motto for Paramount Global and its investors.
With Tuesday’s news that Shari Redstone has ended months-long talks about a takeover of Paramount by a consortium led by Skydance Media and RedBird Capital without a deal, Wall Street analysts are debating, again, the future of the entertainment giant and how to think about its stock. In early Wednesday trading, that was down 2 percent at $10.82, near its 52-week low of $10.12.
Her National Amusements (Nai), which controls Paramount, said it “supports the recently announced strategic plan being executed by Paramount’s Office of the CEO as well as their ongoing work and that of the company’s board of directors to continue to explore opportunities to drive value creation for all Paramount shareholders.” Skydance CEO David Ellison argued in an email to staff that...
With Tuesday’s news that Shari Redstone has ended months-long talks about a takeover of Paramount by a consortium led by Skydance Media and RedBird Capital without a deal, Wall Street analysts are debating, again, the future of the entertainment giant and how to think about its stock. In early Wednesday trading, that was down 2 percent at $10.82, near its 52-week low of $10.12.
Her National Amusements (Nai), which controls Paramount, said it “supports the recently announced strategic plan being executed by Paramount’s Office of the CEO as well as their ongoing work and that of the company’s board of directors to continue to explore opportunities to drive value creation for all Paramount shareholders.” Skydance CEO David Ellison argued in an email to staff that...
- 6/12/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This just in tonight from Skydance Boss David Ellison as Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone says “No” to Skydance’s offer to buy National Amusements. The Top Gun: Maverick and Geostorm producer has acknowledged to staff that Skydance’s bid to merge with Paramount has ended.
However, “we are stronger because of this process,” says the son of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison.
David promises staff that Skydance, armed with more TV products in the company’s history, is “more confident than ever—not just about Skydance but about the future of entertainment and our ability to continue building a next-generation content company on our terms, with the greatest capital, creative and technological resources and talent in the industry.”
As Jill and I told you today, there are various reasons why this Skydance-Paramount Global merger didn’t shake out, read seeking consent for the deal from a “majority of the...
However, “we are stronger because of this process,” says the son of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison.
David promises staff that Skydance, armed with more TV products in the company’s history, is “more confident than ever—not just about Skydance but about the future of entertainment and our ability to continue building a next-generation content company on our terms, with the greatest capital, creative and technological resources and talent in the industry.”
As Jill and I told you today, there are various reasons why this Skydance-Paramount Global merger didn’t shake out, read seeking consent for the deal from a “majority of the...
- 6/12/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
When David Ellison’s Skydance made a play for Paramount last fall it was how and when (not if) Shari Redstone would tie the knot. Paramount and Skydance worked together. He valued the studio and its crown jewel of a backlot and planned to keep the company together. He was offering her a nice bundle of cash for her stake in National Amusements.
They talked, and talked, and talked. Potential suitor Warner Bros Discovery faded away, as did Byron Allen, who made an actual offer for the company. Par and Skydance entered an exclusive negotiating period for the month of April. When the lock-up ended with no deal, doubt crept in. Sony jumped into the mix. Yet the two sides continued talking intensely up through this past weekend.
But Redstone, whose family holding Nai controls about 80% of Paramount, always had the last word, and the last word was no. She...
They talked, and talked, and talked. Potential suitor Warner Bros Discovery faded away, as did Byron Allen, who made an actual offer for the company. Par and Skydance entered an exclusive negotiating period for the month of April. When the lock-up ended with no deal, doubt crept in. Sony jumped into the mix. Yet the two sides continued talking intensely up through this past weekend.
But Redstone, whose family holding Nai controls about 80% of Paramount, always had the last word, and the last word was no. She...
- 6/12/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements owns a majority stake in Paramount Global, has called off long-running merger talks with David Ellison’s Skydance Media.
The decision comes as Paramount Global’s special committee was understood to be meeting on Tuesday morning before National Amusements lawyers notified them the deal was off.
A spokesperson for National Amusements told press it was unable to reach “mutually acceptable terms regarding the potential transaction with Skydance Media for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Nai”.
They added, “Nai is grateful to Skydance for their months of work in pursuing this potential transaction and looks forward to the ongoing,...
The decision comes as Paramount Global’s special committee was understood to be meeting on Tuesday morning before National Amusements lawyers notified them the deal was off.
A spokesperson for National Amusements told press it was unable to reach “mutually acceptable terms regarding the potential transaction with Skydance Media for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Nai”.
They added, “Nai is grateful to Skydance for their months of work in pursuing this potential transaction and looks forward to the ongoing,...
- 6/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
No deal. Shari Redstone has ended talks on the latest offer for Paramount Global from the consortium led by Skydance and RedBird Capital, placing the future of the entertainment company into a fresh period of uncertainty, a source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter.
Redstone is now looking to sell holding company National Amusements, which controls Paramount, alone to another potential suitor, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. But the Skydance team — which submitted its best and final offer in April — has long been betting that other suitors will eventually drop out.
Skydance had secured approval from Paramount’s independent board committee, in a sweetened deal that would see Paramount’s non-voting shareholders have the option to cash out at $15 per share. It would also have seen Skydance acquire Redstone’s National Amusements for about $2 billion.
National Amusements is a regional movie theater chain, however Sumner Redstone turned it into...
Redstone is now looking to sell holding company National Amusements, which controls Paramount, alone to another potential suitor, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. But the Skydance team — which submitted its best and final offer in April — has long been betting that other suitors will eventually drop out.
Skydance had secured approval from Paramount’s independent board committee, in a sweetened deal that would see Paramount’s non-voting shareholders have the option to cash out at $15 per share. It would also have seen Skydance acquire Redstone’s National Amusements for about $2 billion.
National Amusements is a regional movie theater chain, however Sumner Redstone turned it into...
- 6/11/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After months of negotiations, Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone has broken off merger talks with David Ellison’s Skydance.
National Amusements has “not been able to reach mutually acceptable terms regarding the potential transaction with Skydance Media for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Nai,” said the Redstone family trust that controls Paramount.
“Nai is grateful to Skydance for their months of work in pursuing this potential transaction and looks forward to the ongoing, successful production collaboration between Paramount and Skydance.
“Nai supports the recently announced strategic plan being executed by Paramount’s Office of the CEO as well as their ongoing work and that of the Company’s Board of Directors to continue to explore opportunities to drive value creation for all Paramount shareholders.”
The two sides have been deep in discussions during and after a one-month exclusive negotiating period in April and Redstone at one point had favored the deal,...
National Amusements has “not been able to reach mutually acceptable terms regarding the potential transaction with Skydance Media for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Nai,” said the Redstone family trust that controls Paramount.
“Nai is grateful to Skydance for their months of work in pursuing this potential transaction and looks forward to the ongoing, successful production collaboration between Paramount and Skydance.
“Nai supports the recently announced strategic plan being executed by Paramount’s Office of the CEO as well as their ongoing work and that of the Company’s Board of Directors to continue to explore opportunities to drive value creation for all Paramount shareholders.”
The two sides have been deep in discussions during and after a one-month exclusive negotiating period in April and Redstone at one point had favored the deal,...
- 6/11/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
After more than six months of on-again-off-again talks, Shari Redstone has ended negotiations with David Ellison’s Skydance Media about a prospective merger with Paramount Global.
The news shocked the entertainment industry as there had been many signals this week that the sides were moving closer to a transaction. Redstone is Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder through National Amusements Inc., which owns 77% of the voting shares in Paramount. Paramount Global shares plummeted 7.9% in the final half-hour of trading Tuesday after the news of the Skydance talks ending broke, closing at $11.04 per share.
In a statement, Redstone’s Nai said, “National Amusements, Inc., the majority voting shareholder of Paramount Global, today announced that they have not been able to reach mutually acceptable terms regarding the potential transaction with Skydance Media for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Nai.”
The statement continued, “Nai is grateful to Skydance for their months of...
The news shocked the entertainment industry as there had been many signals this week that the sides were moving closer to a transaction. Redstone is Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder through National Amusements Inc., which owns 77% of the voting shares in Paramount. Paramount Global shares plummeted 7.9% in the final half-hour of trading Tuesday after the news of the Skydance talks ending broke, closing at $11.04 per share.
In a statement, Redstone’s Nai said, “National Amusements, Inc., the majority voting shareholder of Paramount Global, today announced that they have not been able to reach mutually acceptable terms regarding the potential transaction with Skydance Media for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Nai.”
The statement continued, “Nai is grateful to Skydance for their months of...
- 6/11/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach came to the Banff World Media Festival on Tuesday amid unprecedented change in the global industry.
“It’s definitely a time of tumult and change,” Reisenbach said during an informal In Conversation With: series address. “Despite everything that’s going on, we have this fantastic year and we feel like we have all this momentum going into the next season.”
Reisenbach’s appearance in Banff came as CBS Entertainment-parent Paramount Global, the Hollywood studio led by controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, weighs a possible takeover by Skydance and RedBird Capital, or other potential suitors. “I can’t comment on anything regarding M&a. It’s very much above my head,” she said at the outset of her talk.
But she did take the opportunity to cite George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, who is among a trio of three studio execs — including Chris McCarthy, president and...
“It’s definitely a time of tumult and change,” Reisenbach said during an informal In Conversation With: series address. “Despite everything that’s going on, we have this fantastic year and we feel like we have all this momentum going into the next season.”
Reisenbach’s appearance in Banff came as CBS Entertainment-parent Paramount Global, the Hollywood studio led by controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, weighs a possible takeover by Skydance and RedBird Capital, or other potential suitors. “I can’t comment on anything regarding M&a. It’s very much above my head,” she said at the outset of her talk.
But she did take the opportunity to cite George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, who is among a trio of three studio execs — including Chris McCarthy, president and...
- 6/11/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Global, which continues to explore its M&a options, has updated the compensation plans for the three execs in the Office of the CEO and re-upped Chief People Officer Nancy Phillips.
Separate SEC filings from the company on Monday laid out details about the various exec contract changes.
George Cheeks, CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins, CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon were installed in the Office of the CEO after the ouster of Bob Bakish in April. The three have jointly run the company since, and last week delivered a presentation at the company’s annual shareholder meeting amid mounting uncertainty about Paramount’s future ownership structure. As Skydance Media continues to negotiate a full takeover, multiple parties have surfaced as potential acquirers of National Amusements, the Shari Redstone-led entity that controls about 77% of Paramount’s voting shares.
Separate SEC filings from the company on Monday laid out details about the various exec contract changes.
George Cheeks, CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins, CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon were installed in the Office of the CEO after the ouster of Bob Bakish in April. The three have jointly run the company since, and last week delivered a presentation at the company’s annual shareholder meeting amid mounting uncertainty about Paramount’s future ownership structure. As Skydance Media continues to negotiate a full takeover, multiple parties have surfaced as potential acquirers of National Amusements, the Shari Redstone-led entity that controls about 77% of Paramount’s voting shares.
- 6/10/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
As an M&a event looms on the horizon for Paramount Global, the three execs in the conglomerate’s “Office of the CEO” are now eligible for stepped-up severance payments in the event of a sale or merger — and the company also will award them cash bonuses for the time they serve as co-CEOs.
The move comes as Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, is evaluating a merger offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media, which the Paramount Global board’s special committee has recommended. Meanwhile, that protracted sale process has attracted other bidders interested in buying out Redstone’s National Amusements Inc., which owns 77% of the voting shares in Paramount, including Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Bain Capital.
On Monday, Paramount disclosed that the three members of the Office of the CEO — George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins,...
The move comes as Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, is evaluating a merger offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media, which the Paramount Global board’s special committee has recommended. Meanwhile, that protracted sale process has attracted other bidders interested in buying out Redstone’s National Amusements Inc., which owns 77% of the voting shares in Paramount, including Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Bain Capital.
On Monday, Paramount disclosed that the three members of the Office of the CEO — George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins,...
- 6/10/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
The long-running saga of who may or may not buy Paramount Pictures parent Paramount Global took a turn on Monday with reports that Edgar Bronfman Jr. has entered the fray.
The former CEO of Seagram, vice-chairman of Vivendi Universal, and CEO of Warner Music, is said to have expressed interest in mounting a $2-2.5bn acquisition of Shari Redstone’s National Amusements, owner of a controlling interest in Paramount Global.
The report by The Wall Street Journal noted that Bronfman is backed by private equity company Bain Capital and at time of writing no formal bid had been submitted.
Redstone...
The former CEO of Seagram, vice-chairman of Vivendi Universal, and CEO of Warner Music, is said to have expressed interest in mounting a $2-2.5bn acquisition of Shari Redstone’s National Amusements, owner of a controlling interest in Paramount Global.
The report by The Wall Street Journal noted that Bronfman is backed by private equity company Bain Capital and at time of writing no formal bid had been submitted.
Redstone...
- 6/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Paramount Global has a strong future ahead of it and so does broadcast television, despite the uncertainty that has enveloped Hollywood in general and Paramount in particular. That was the message sent Thursday by CBS chief George Cheeks, who last month was also tapped as one of three CEOs to steer Paramount Global through a period that is sure to be challenging no matter what happens with the company.
Cheeks acknowledged the merger and sale activity that has swirled around Paramount Global for nearly nine months during his keynote address at Variety‘s FYC Fest daylong conference held at West Hollywood’s 1 Hotel. But he also emphazied that the tri-part Office of the CEO, consisting of Paramount Pictures chief Brian Robbins and cable head Chris McCarthy, that was established after the ouster of Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish has a long-term plan for running the company if the much-discussed transaction...
Cheeks acknowledged the merger and sale activity that has swirled around Paramount Global for nearly nine months during his keynote address at Variety‘s FYC Fest daylong conference held at West Hollywood’s 1 Hotel. But he also emphazied that the tri-part Office of the CEO, consisting of Paramount Pictures chief Brian Robbins and cable head Chris McCarthy, that was established after the ouster of Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish has a long-term plan for running the company if the much-discussed transaction...
- 6/6/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
There are multiple offers on the table for Paramount, but the company’s three-headed ‘Office of the CEO’ has a plan if all the deals fall through.
Paramount Global is entering its seventh month of merger and acquisition discussions, and whether or not there is an end in sight remains a bit cloudy. In December, news first broke that the company had begun initial discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery about a potential combination of the two media conglomerates. Those talks came to naught, but more seriously interested parties have emerged to evaluate Paramount’s assets in the meantime. Earlier this week, the special committee established by Paramount to evaluate M&a opportunities approved a bid by Skydance Media and its owner David Ellison, but one of the company’s major shareholder has publicly expressed its disapproval of the deal. With all of the confusion over the company’s future, Paramount executives...
Paramount Global is entering its seventh month of merger and acquisition discussions, and whether or not there is an end in sight remains a bit cloudy. In December, news first broke that the company had begun initial discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery about a potential combination of the two media conglomerates. Those talks came to naught, but more seriously interested parties have emerged to evaluate Paramount’s assets in the meantime. Earlier this week, the special committee established by Paramount to evaluate M&a opportunities approved a bid by Skydance Media and its owner David Ellison, but one of the company’s major shareholder has publicly expressed its disapproval of the deal. With all of the confusion over the company’s future, Paramount executives...
- 6/6/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
As the mastermind behind the Dutton family saga, Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan embarks on a solitary journey, carving out his empire of episodes at Paramount Network with a hands-on approach that goes against the grain. With an Oscar nomination to his name, his ethic is clear: his stories, be they Yellowstone, 1883, or 1923, thrive on character-driven narratives and have deeply ingrained personal authenticity—a rarity in the industry.
Last year, THR claimed that Sheridan’s approach had produced an astounding “60 scripts for Yellowstone”. Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Paramount Media Networks, said this accomplishment is the result of a passion that cannot be taught but must be marveled at. But without the teamwork that characterizes TV’s creative process, is Sheridan’s unique vision viable?
Taylor Sheridan in Yellowstone | Paramount Network
Apparently, Sheridan would rather defy the WGA’s efforts to persuade studios to hire a minimum number of writers for each scripted program.
Last year, THR claimed that Sheridan’s approach had produced an astounding “60 scripts for Yellowstone”. Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Paramount Media Networks, said this accomplishment is the result of a passion that cannot be taught but must be marveled at. But without the teamwork that characterizes TV’s creative process, is Sheridan’s unique vision viable?
Taylor Sheridan in Yellowstone | Paramount Network
Apparently, Sheridan would rather defy the WGA’s efforts to persuade studios to hire a minimum number of writers for each scripted program.
- 6/6/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
After CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach last month permanently closed the door to Blue Bloods continuing beyond its upcoming final 8 episodes this fall, one of Paramount Global’s Office of the CEO members today opened the door to the franchise potentially carrying on.
During Paramount Global’s shareholder meeting this morning, Brian Robbins noted that Paramount is home of 14 brands across film and TV that have generated at least $1B in revenue, including NCIS, South Park, Yellowstone, SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol and Star Trek.
“We are building tomorrow’s billion dollar brands right now” he added. “In TV, new franchise extensions are coming for Dexter, Billions and Blue Bloods, and CBS’ hit Fire Country shows huge promise.”
Spinoffs for Dexter, Billions, Fire Country as well as NCIS have been announced; there has been no official word on a Blue Bloods offshoot yet.
During Paramount Global’s shareholder meeting this morning, Brian Robbins noted that Paramount is home of 14 brands across film and TV that have generated at least $1B in revenue, including NCIS, South Park, Yellowstone, SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol and Star Trek.
“We are building tomorrow’s billion dollar brands right now” he added. “In TV, new franchise extensions are coming for Dexter, Billions and Blue Bloods, and CBS’ hit Fire Country shows huge promise.”
Spinoffs for Dexter, Billions, Fire Country as well as NCIS have been announced; there has been no official word on a Blue Bloods offshoot yet.
- 6/5/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The three execs who lead Paramount Global’s “Office of the CEO” have called off their planned town hall meeting with employees that had been scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, citing “ongoing speculation regarding potential M&a.”
The trio — CBS CEO George Cheeks, Paramount CEO Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios — rescheduled the event for June 25. The move comes as Shari Redstone is evaluating a merger offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media, which the Paramount Global board’s special committee has recommended and submitted for Redstone’s review over the weekend. Redstone is Paramount non-executive chair and the company’s controlling shareholder through National Amusements Inc.
“Given the ongoing speculation regarding potential M&a, we want to be able to speak to you with as much candor and transparency as possible,” the three executives wrote in a memo to employees. “By moving the date, our hope is to do just that.
The trio — CBS CEO George Cheeks, Paramount CEO Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios — rescheduled the event for June 25. The move comes as Shari Redstone is evaluating a merger offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media, which the Paramount Global board’s special committee has recommended and submitted for Redstone’s review over the weekend. Redstone is Paramount non-executive chair and the company’s controlling shareholder through National Amusements Inc.
“Given the ongoing speculation regarding potential M&a, we want to be able to speak to you with as much candor and transparency as possible,” the three executives wrote in a memo to employees. “By moving the date, our hope is to do just that.
- 6/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
A town hall for Paramount Global employees originally scheduled to take place Wednesday has been delayed until June 25.
In a note to employees obtained by Deadline, CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins recapped Tuesday morning’s annual shareholder meeting and also noted the rescheduling of the town hall. “Given the ongoing speculation regarding potential M&a, we want to be able to speak to you with as much candor and transparency as possible. By moving the date, our hope is to do just that,” they wrote.
The shift comes at a time that Paramount Global controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, is mulling a merger offer from Skydance. The shareholder meeting largely skirted the topic of M&a, and instead gave Redstone a chance to make the case for the unorthodox Office of the CEO structure. She conceded it was unusual, but said it would harness the collective experience of three...
In a note to employees obtained by Deadline, CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins recapped Tuesday morning’s annual shareholder meeting and also noted the rescheduling of the town hall. “Given the ongoing speculation regarding potential M&a, we want to be able to speak to you with as much candor and transparency as possible. By moving the date, our hope is to do just that,” they wrote.
The shift comes at a time that Paramount Global controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, is mulling a merger offer from Skydance. The shareholder meeting largely skirted the topic of M&a, and instead gave Redstone a chance to make the case for the unorthodox Office of the CEO structure. She conceded it was unusual, but said it would harness the collective experience of three...
- 6/4/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The future of Paramount Global remains uncertain, with the Skydance-RedBird deal in the hands of Shari Redstone, and the three co-CEOs laying out their own plan for the company Tuesday morning.
With that in mind, the company has opted to postpone a scheduled all-employee town hall that had been set for Wednesday.
Paramount told employees that the town hall will now be held on Tuesday, June 25, suggesting that there should be more clarity on the company’s future by then.
“Given the ongoing speculation regarding potential M&a, we want to be able to speak to you with as much candor and transparency as possible,” the company wrote to employees. “By moving the date, our hope is to do just that.”
The company is in the middle of a critical week that could shape its future. Redstone is currently reviewing a takeover offer led by Skydance that would see the company...
With that in mind, the company has opted to postpone a scheduled all-employee town hall that had been set for Wednesday.
Paramount told employees that the town hall will now be held on Tuesday, June 25, suggesting that there should be more clarity on the company’s future by then.
“Given the ongoing speculation regarding potential M&a, we want to be able to speak to you with as much candor and transparency as possible,” the company wrote to employees. “By moving the date, our hope is to do just that.”
The company is in the middle of a critical week that could shape its future. Redstone is currently reviewing a takeover offer led by Skydance that would see the company...
- 6/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Global needs to (further) reduce its staff size to compete in today’s cutthroat media landscape. Perhaps it could start by trimming a few CEOs.
After Bob Bakish was unceremoniously (but richly) exited from the company, Paramount went with an “Office of the CEO” setup, the trio of George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins. Those three, with a lead-in from controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, ran Paramount Global’s 2024 Investor Day presentation — and a brief (and very rehearsed) Q&a — on Tuesday.
Redstone’s is the final signature required for Paramount to be merged with Skydance; a formal announcement is likely in the coming days. Until then, mum is the word on that pending deal — and Paramount Global must present to investors like the offer doesn’t exist.
Coincidentally, the three men have a three-part plan to turn around this Titanic (and maybe even tow its pieces back to...
After Bob Bakish was unceremoniously (but richly) exited from the company, Paramount went with an “Office of the CEO” setup, the trio of George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins. Those three, with a lead-in from controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, ran Paramount Global’s 2024 Investor Day presentation — and a brief (and very rehearsed) Q&a — on Tuesday.
Redstone’s is the final signature required for Paramount to be merged with Skydance; a formal announcement is likely in the coming days. Until then, mum is the word on that pending deal — and Paramount Global must present to investors like the offer doesn’t exist.
Coincidentally, the three men have a three-part plan to turn around this Titanic (and maybe even tow its pieces back to...
- 6/4/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Paramount Global’s new leadership team set out their strategic priorities for the company, including $500m in cost savings, selling non-core assets and exploring streaming joint ventures with other media companies.
The plan was presented at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders today (June 4) by its recently established Office of the CEO, which took over from Bob Bakish in April.
The Office of the CEO comprises: George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.
The presentation...
The plan was presented at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders today (June 4) by its recently established Office of the CEO, which took over from Bob Bakish in April.
The Office of the CEO comprises: George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.
The presentation...
- 6/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
As Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone mulls the terms of a merger between her conglom and Skydance, the network/studio/streaming service trotted out their best and brightest CEO troika this early Am in annual global stockholders meet to tout their hit parade of 14 billion dollar revenue earning franchises across all mediums, their assurance to cut $500 million in overhead, and maximize shareholder value and profits.
With Skydance’s David Ellison knocking on Paramount Global’s door with former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell in tow to execute their own strategy, today’s presentation by Brian Robbins, President & CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon; George Cheeks, President & CEO of CBS; and Chris McCarthy, President & CEO Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, was a bullhorn to shareholders that this administration has their stuff together, to prevent any possible nosediving of the stock currently, but also an underscoring that the trio...
With Skydance’s David Ellison knocking on Paramount Global’s door with former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell in tow to execute their own strategy, today’s presentation by Brian Robbins, President & CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon; George Cheeks, President & CEO of CBS; and Chris McCarthy, President & CEO Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, was a bullhorn to shareholders that this administration has their stuff together, to prevent any possible nosediving of the stock currently, but also an underscoring that the trio...
- 6/4/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Investors in Paramount Global are waiting for word on whether the latest merger offer from Skydance Media is a go. But they didn’t get any update at the media conglomerate’s awkwardly timed annual shareholders meeting Tuesday.
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s chair and controlling shareholder, in her introductory remarks at the virtual shareholders meeting, did not mention the pending Skydance offer. Instead, she touted the company’s content assets and leadership across CBS, Paramount Pictures and its cable networks — and turned the floor over to the three members of its “Office of the CEO,” who took over at the end of April for the ousted Bob Bakish: CBS’s George Cheeks, Paramount Pictures’ Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, head of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios.
“While we recognize this is not a traditional management structure,” Redstone said, the three-in-a-box leadership team is intended to help the company “take...
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s chair and controlling shareholder, in her introductory remarks at the virtual shareholders meeting, did not mention the pending Skydance offer. Instead, she touted the company’s content assets and leadership across CBS, Paramount Pictures and its cable networks — and turned the floor over to the three members of its “Office of the CEO,” who took over at the end of April for the ousted Bob Bakish: CBS’s George Cheeks, Paramount Pictures’ Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, head of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios.
“While we recognize this is not a traditional management structure,” Redstone said, the three-in-a-box leadership team is intended to help the company “take...
- 6/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Global Non-Exec Chair Shari Redstone Touts Office Of CEO During Annual Shareholder Meeting
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s non-executive chair and controlling shareholder, sought to sell shareholders at the company’s annual meeting Tuesday on the potential of the three-member Office of the CEO.
Convening a video presentation produced like a TV morning show, she delivered brief remarks before tossing to George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins. The three execs have formed the Office of the CEO since the ouster of Bob Bakish in April. Hovering over the event, though only briefly alluded to, is a pending merger proposal by Skydance Media, which will transform Paramount yet again if it is finalized.
“Reducing our costs to be consistent with industry standards” is a key strategic objective, Redstone said. “This will then enable us to decrease debt, strengthen our balance sheet and continue to invest in the best-in-class content that has always been at our core. And overall, it would allow us to...
Convening a video presentation produced like a TV morning show, she delivered brief remarks before tossing to George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins. The three execs have formed the Office of the CEO since the ouster of Bob Bakish in April. Hovering over the event, though only briefly alluded to, is a pending merger proposal by Skydance Media, which will transform Paramount yet again if it is finalized.
“Reducing our costs to be consistent with industry standards” is a key strategic objective, Redstone said. “This will then enable us to decrease debt, strengthen our balance sheet and continue to invest in the best-in-class content that has always been at our core. And overall, it would allow us to...
- 6/4/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global’s new trio of co-CEOs laid out their vision for the Hollywood studio as the controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, mulls a sweetened takeover offer from a buyer consortium led by Skydance and RedBird Capital.
Redstone addressed the investors as the meeting began, indicating the company’s most important goal was “driving value for all our shareholders,” which would come by reducing overall debt to strengthen the balance sheet and continue to invest in “best-in-class content.”
Redstone also addressed the new leadership structure at the studio with three co-CEOs. “While we recognize that this is not a traditional management structure, we are confident that it will enable them to move quickly to implement best practices throughout the company to drive improved performance,” Redstone added.
This opened the way for the new trio of executives – George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios; and Brian Robbins,...
Redstone addressed the investors as the meeting began, indicating the company’s most important goal was “driving value for all our shareholders,” which would come by reducing overall debt to strengthen the balance sheet and continue to invest in “best-in-class content.”
Redstone also addressed the new leadership structure at the studio with three co-CEOs. “While we recognize that this is not a traditional management structure, we are confident that it will enable them to move quickly to implement best practices throughout the company to drive improved performance,” Redstone added.
This opened the way for the new trio of executives – George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios; and Brian Robbins,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Und nun doch Skydance: Wie u. a. der gut informierte Filmindustrie-Journalist Matt Belloni in Puck berichtet, muss nur noch National-Amusements-Chefin Shari Redstone endgültig grünes Licht geben, dann kann David Ellison nach einem letzten nachgebesserten Angebot für die B-Aktionäre Paramount Global übernehmen.
Shari Redstone trifft die finale Entscheidung (Credit: Imago / Avalon.red)
Der Deal als solcher sei unter Dach und Fach, lassen die ersten Entertainment-Blogger wissen. Etwas mehr als einen Monat, nachdem das exklusive Verhandlungsfenster für Skydance um eine Übernahme von Paramount Global ausgelaufen war und es so ausgesehen hatte, als würde David Ellison mit seinem beim Aufsichtsrat wenig geliebten Angebot den Kürzeren ziehen, wird sich die junge Finanzierungs- und Produktionsfirma, die längst hinter den großen Marken von Paramount steht, zuletzt „Mission: Impossible“ und „Transformers“, nun doch durchsetzen. Während Sony/Apollo mit ihrem gerade noch so attraktiv erscheinenden Angebot wohl den Kürzeren zieht, hat Ellison die Oberhand gewonnen.
Nach Informationen des...
Shari Redstone trifft die finale Entscheidung (Credit: Imago / Avalon.red)
Der Deal als solcher sei unter Dach und Fach, lassen die ersten Entertainment-Blogger wissen. Etwas mehr als einen Monat, nachdem das exklusive Verhandlungsfenster für Skydance um eine Übernahme von Paramount Global ausgelaufen war und es so ausgesehen hatte, als würde David Ellison mit seinem beim Aufsichtsrat wenig geliebten Angebot den Kürzeren ziehen, wird sich die junge Finanzierungs- und Produktionsfirma, die längst hinter den großen Marken von Paramount steht, zuletzt „Mission: Impossible“ und „Transformers“, nun doch durchsetzen. Während Sony/Apollo mit ihrem gerade noch so attraktiv erscheinenden Angebot wohl den Kürzeren zieht, hat Ellison die Oberhand gewonnen.
Nach Informationen des...
- 6/4/2024
- by Thomas Schultze
- Spot - Media & Film
Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements owns a controlling interest in Paramount Pictures parent Paramount Global, is reportedly weighing up a modified takeover offer of around $8bn from David Ellison’s Skydance Media and his backers RedBird Capital.
On the eve of Paramount Global’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, CNBC reported that the latest offer would see Redstone receive $2bn for National Amusements, while Skydance would pay $4.5bn to buy out half of Paramount Global Class B shareholders at $15 per share.
Skydance and RedBird have reportedly offered to pay $1.5bn in cash to reduce Paramount Global debt.
The overall deal...
On the eve of Paramount Global’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, CNBC reported that the latest offer would see Redstone receive $2bn for National Amusements, while Skydance would pay $4.5bn to buy out half of Paramount Global Class B shareholders at $15 per share.
Skydance and RedBird have reportedly offered to pay $1.5bn in cash to reduce Paramount Global debt.
The overall deal...
- 6/3/2024
- ScreenDaily
Paramount: Now (finally) Under New Ownership! A special committee at the company has approved a deal that will merge Paramount Global with Skydance after David Ellison acquires National Amusements, Inc. (Nai) for about $2 billion.
The National Amusements theater chain has a controlling interest in Paramount. Skydance Media CEO Ellison is paying for that control, and then he’ll make Paramount buy his production company.
All told, it is expected to cost Ellison and his financial backers at RedBird Capital Partners in the ballpark of $8 billion to make this happen, as first reported by CNBC’s David Faber. On top of Shari Redstone’s $2 billion for her family’s Nai, $4.5 billion more will go to current Paramount shareholders; another $1.5 billion in cash will be contributed to Paramount’s balance sheet. The numbers are pretty fresh and could still change some, a person with knowledge of the goings-on tells IndieWire.
The...
The National Amusements theater chain has a controlling interest in Paramount. Skydance Media CEO Ellison is paying for that control, and then he’ll make Paramount buy his production company.
All told, it is expected to cost Ellison and his financial backers at RedBird Capital Partners in the ballpark of $8 billion to make this happen, as first reported by CNBC’s David Faber. On top of Shari Redstone’s $2 billion for her family’s Nai, $4.5 billion more will go to current Paramount shareholders; another $1.5 billion in cash will be contributed to Paramount’s balance sheet. The numbers are pretty fresh and could still change some, a person with knowledge of the goings-on tells IndieWire.
The...
- 6/3/2024
- by Brian Welk and Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
The future of Paramount may be decided in the next couple of days, with the ball now in controlling shareholder Shari Redstone’s court.
With the company set to hold its annual shareholder meeting Tuesday, Paramount’s board and the buyer consortium led Skydance and RedBird Capital have come to terms on a revised deal for the company. Now it is up to Redstone to approve the deal and move forward, or look at other options.
Because Redstone’s National Amusements was recused from the board talks, it is just beginning to review the proposal.
“We received the financial terms of the proposed Paramount/Skydance transaction over the weekend and we are reviewing them,” a spokesperson for Nai said.
Paramount is effectively controlled by Redstone and her National Amusements, which holds more than 70 percent of Class A voting shares.
As The Hollywood Reporter previously wrote last week, the new deal...
With the company set to hold its annual shareholder meeting Tuesday, Paramount’s board and the buyer consortium led Skydance and RedBird Capital have come to terms on a revised deal for the company. Now it is up to Redstone to approve the deal and move forward, or look at other options.
Because Redstone’s National Amusements was recused from the board talks, it is just beginning to review the proposal.
“We received the financial terms of the proposed Paramount/Skydance transaction over the weekend and we are reviewing them,” a spokesperson for Nai said.
Paramount is effectively controlled by Redstone and her National Amusements, which holds more than 70 percent of Class A voting shares.
As The Hollywood Reporter previously wrote last week, the new deal...
- 6/3/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Late last year, there were rumblings of a possible merger being considered with two movie studio giants — Warner Bros. and Paramount. It was reported that Zaslav met with Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish in New York City to discuss a possible merger. The potential merger would bring many iconic entertainment franchises under one roof, including Star Trek, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Transformers, Mission: Impossible, DC, and more. It would also likely see the two streaming services — Max and Paramount+ — combine in order to more effectively challenge Netflix and Disney+.
Wall Street analysts were skeptical of that deal and knew that both companies would have to jump through significant hurdles in order for the deal to go through. That deal would ultimately fall through, but the New York Post is now reporting on a merger that has been sealed. Paramount and Skydance have just agreed to terms that will see both...
Wall Street analysts were skeptical of that deal and knew that both companies would have to jump through significant hurdles in order for the deal to go through. That deal would ultimately fall through, but the New York Post is now reporting on a merger that has been sealed. Paramount and Skydance have just agreed to terms that will see both...
- 6/3/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Updated with new timeline. Paramount Global and Skydance have agreed to terms on a merger, a person familiar with the deal talks has confirmed to Deadline, with Paramount controlling shareholder Shari Redstone taking a final look.
CNBC reported the stepped-up timeline earlier Monday. As Deadline and other media outlets reported over the weekend, a revised offer from Skydance had gained more traction, though it did not initially appear likely that anything would be firmed up before Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting. That event was already set to be a significant one, with the three executives sharing the Office of the CEO laying out their strategic plans for the company.
Redstone, through National Amusements, controls 77% of the voting shares of Paramount.
Previously:
As Paramount Global approaches Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting and a high-stakes town hall for employees the following day, new details are emerging about Skydance Media’s latest acquisition offer.
CNBC reported the stepped-up timeline earlier Monday. As Deadline and other media outlets reported over the weekend, a revised offer from Skydance had gained more traction, though it did not initially appear likely that anything would be firmed up before Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting. That event was already set to be a significant one, with the three executives sharing the Office of the CEO laying out their strategic plans for the company.
Redstone, through National Amusements, controls 77% of the voting shares of Paramount.
Previously:
As Paramount Global approaches Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting and a high-stakes town hall for employees the following day, new details are emerging about Skydance Media’s latest acquisition offer.
- 6/2/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Skydance and RedBird Capital are sweetening their takeover deal for Paramount Global.
A source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter that the investor group, which also includes Kkr, has made a revised offer to Paramount’s independent board committee reviewing deals.
While the specifics of the new offer were not immediately available, it is believed to sweeten the deal for Paramount’s Class B shareholders, many of which have expressed concern about the original offer. Paramount is effectively controlled by Shari Redstone and her National Amusements, which holds more than 70 percent of Class A voting shares.
Class B shareholders have expressed concern that they are not getting the same value out of the deal that Redstone is, with some threatening lawsuits if the company moves forward with the deal.
The original deal on the table would see the Skydance-RedBird consortium acquire National Amusements’ stake in Paramount at a premium (given their...
A source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter that the investor group, which also includes Kkr, has made a revised offer to Paramount’s independent board committee reviewing deals.
While the specifics of the new offer were not immediately available, it is believed to sweeten the deal for Paramount’s Class B shareholders, many of which have expressed concern about the original offer. Paramount is effectively controlled by Shari Redstone and her National Amusements, which holds more than 70 percent of Class A voting shares.
Class B shareholders have expressed concern that they are not getting the same value out of the deal that Redstone is, with some threatening lawsuits if the company moves forward with the deal.
The original deal on the table would see the Skydance-RedBird consortium acquire National Amusements’ stake in Paramount at a premium (given their...
- 5/30/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a highly anticipated announcement, Paramount Global and Charter Communications said they’re extending their longstanding partnership with a multi-year distribution agreement for Paramount’s full portfolio of linear cable networks, CBS owned-and-operated broadcast stations and direct-to-consumer streaming services.
In addition to CBS, subscribers to Charter’s Spectrum will keep BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network, as well as premium service Paramount+ with Showtime.
In a new twist that echoes Charter’s landmark deal with Disney last year, the agreement calls for the ad-supported versions of Paramount’s direct-to-consumer services, Paramount+ Essential and BET+ Essential to be included at no additional cost to Charter’s Spectrum TV customers. Charter also will make Paramount’s direct-to-consumer products available for purchase to its Internet-only customers.
But unlike the Disney pact, Charter is not dropping any cable networks. Its Disney deal eliminated Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney Xd, Freeform, Fxm, Fxx,...
In addition to CBS, subscribers to Charter’s Spectrum will keep BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network, as well as premium service Paramount+ with Showtime.
In a new twist that echoes Charter’s landmark deal with Disney last year, the agreement calls for the ad-supported versions of Paramount’s direct-to-consumer services, Paramount+ Essential and BET+ Essential to be included at no additional cost to Charter’s Spectrum TV customers. Charter also will make Paramount’s direct-to-consumer products available for purchase to its Internet-only customers.
But unlike the Disney pact, Charter is not dropping any cable networks. Its Disney deal eliminated Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney Xd, Freeform, Fxm, Fxx,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global’s EVP, Chief Communications and Corporate Marketing Officer Julia Phelps will leave the company at the end of May.
Her group — which encompasses Corporate Communications, Marketing, Social Impact, Esg, Creative & Strategy, Production, Board Relations and Events and Brand Experience — will report to studio chief Brian Robbins on an interim basis.
The exec has been with Paramount for two decades, overseeing the comms group through the Viacom and CBS merger, the launch of Paramount+ and a rebrand to Paramount Global. Working in partnerships with other divisions and corporate functions, her team helped develop initiatives including Spark, the global expansion of BET’s Content for Change campaign, ongoing community engagement and Esg efforts, cross-company marketing and publicity functions.
Phelps alerted her team to her departure in an email, obtained by Deadline. “In two decades and across multiple roles, I’ve been lucky to work with the very best all around the world.
Her group — which encompasses Corporate Communications, Marketing, Social Impact, Esg, Creative & Strategy, Production, Board Relations and Events and Brand Experience — will report to studio chief Brian Robbins on an interim basis.
The exec has been with Paramount for two decades, overseeing the comms group through the Viacom and CBS merger, the launch of Paramount+ and a rebrand to Paramount Global. Working in partnerships with other divisions and corporate functions, her team helped develop initiatives including Spark, the global expansion of BET’s Content for Change campaign, ongoing community engagement and Esg efforts, cross-company marketing and publicity functions.
Phelps alerted her team to her departure in an email, obtained by Deadline. “In two decades and across multiple roles, I’ve been lucky to work with the very best all around the world.
- 5/17/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Julia Phelps, Paramount Global’s executive VP and chief communications and corporate marketing officer, is exiting after almost 20 years with the company and predecessor Viacom.
Phelps had long worked with Bob Bakish, who was ousted as CEO of the company last month and replaced by a three-exec committee. Phelps, in a memo to her team Friday that was obtained by Variety, said she will leave Paramount at the end of May. (Read the full memo below.)
According to Phelps’ memo, the company’s marketing and communications group for the time being will report into Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. Robbins is one of the troika of execs in the company’s “Office of the CEO,” alongside George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, and Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.
The senior management changes at Paramount Global come...
Phelps had long worked with Bob Bakish, who was ousted as CEO of the company last month and replaced by a three-exec committee. Phelps, in a memo to her team Friday that was obtained by Variety, said she will leave Paramount at the end of May. (Read the full memo below.)
According to Phelps’ memo, the company’s marketing and communications group for the time being will report into Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. Robbins is one of the troika of execs in the company’s “Office of the CEO,” alongside George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, and Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.
The senior management changes at Paramount Global come...
- 5/17/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Shares of Paramount Global slid Tuesday following a CNBC report that Sony was “rethinking” its bid to acquire Paramount in conjunction with private-equity firm Apollo Global Management.
Earlier this month, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo sent a nonbinding offer to Paramount Global’s board offering to take Paramount private for $26 billion in cash, a price tag that would include the assumption of debt. Paramount Global’s stock dropped more than 5% after CNBC’s David Faber reported Tuesday that “the likelihood of a bid [by Sony and Apollo] at least for the full company seems to be fading a bit.”
“There has not been an NDA signed by Sony [with Paramount Global] at this point, a nondisclosure agreement that you would typically sign so you can begin real due diligence,” Faber said on CNBC’s “Power Lunch.”
Sony Group’s stock price dropped last week and “that may have given them some pause, not to mention, of course…...
Earlier this month, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo sent a nonbinding offer to Paramount Global’s board offering to take Paramount private for $26 billion in cash, a price tag that would include the assumption of debt. Paramount Global’s stock dropped more than 5% after CNBC’s David Faber reported Tuesday that “the likelihood of a bid [by Sony and Apollo] at least for the full company seems to be fading a bit.”
“There has not been an NDA signed by Sony [with Paramount Global] at this point, a nondisclosure agreement that you would typically sign so you can begin real due diligence,” Faber said on CNBC’s “Power Lunch.”
Sony Group’s stock price dropped last week and “that may have given them some pause, not to mention, of course…...
- 5/14/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Shari Redstone strolled onto the red carpet in New York City tonight for the premiere of Paramount Pictures If, John Krasinski’ star-studded PG adventure that opens this weekend. She was there to support studio chief Brian Robbins.
As of April, the executive (who also oversees Nickelodeon) is also one of three members of a new Office of the CEO. The premiere hits as Redstone, Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder and non-executive board chair, is in the midst of trying to sell the company but finding a deal complicated. She did no interviews outside the Sva Theatre in Chelsea, but chatted and stood for photographs with Robbins, Krasinski (who also stars) and talent from Ryan Reynolds to Matt Damon.
Redstone also attended the world premiere of Top Gun: Maverick two years agoi in May of 2022 aboard the USS Midway in San Diego.
A special committee of Paramount’s board talked exclusively...
As of April, the executive (who also oversees Nickelodeon) is also one of three members of a new Office of the CEO. The premiere hits as Redstone, Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder and non-executive board chair, is in the midst of trying to sell the company but finding a deal complicated. She did no interviews outside the Sva Theatre in Chelsea, but chatted and stood for photographs with Robbins, Krasinski (who also stars) and talent from Ryan Reynolds to Matt Damon.
Redstone also attended the world premiere of Top Gun: Maverick two years agoi in May of 2022 aboard the USS Midway in San Diego.
A special committee of Paramount’s board talked exclusively...
- 5/14/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Today, MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Audio announced a new weekly Comedy Central podcast from Jon Stewart, “The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart.” The podcast, which launches in early June, will feature the Emmy® and Peabody® award-winning host as he dives into the most critical topics across current events. The show will feature a variety of guests, including newsmakers, authors and celebrities. “The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart.” will be available across all major podcast platforms and produced by Paramount Audio in association with Busboy Productions.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,” said Emmy® and Peabody® award-winning host Jon Stewart. “All hail Comedy Central!”
“Jon’s return to The Daily Show has been a runaway success – a powerful reminder of why he’s the voice of our generation and so critical to the national conversation," said Chris McCarthy, Paramount...
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,” said Emmy® and Peabody® award-winning host Jon Stewart. “All hail Comedy Central!”
“Jon’s return to The Daily Show has been a runaway success – a powerful reminder of why he’s the voice of our generation and so critical to the national conversation," said Chris McCarthy, Paramount...
- 5/10/2024
- Podnews.net
Jon Stewart will be signing on for a new weekly podcast called The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart. On Thursday, Comedy Central announced that Stewart — who rejoined the Daily Show as the Monday night host — will host the new podcast when it premieres in June.
The new weekly show will hear Stewart “dive into the most critical topics across current events” and will feature “a variety of guests, including newsmakers, authors, and celebrities.” Paramount Audio will produce the podcast with Busboy Productions.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have...
The new weekly show will hear Stewart “dive into the most critical topics across current events” and will feature “a variety of guests, including newsmakers, authors, and celebrities.” Paramount Audio will produce the podcast with Busboy Productions.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have...
- 5/9/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Jon Stewart will take an extended dive into current events in a new The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart a Comedy Central podcast set to launch in June.
From MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Audio, the podcast will focus on “the most critical topics across current events,” featuring a variety of guests, including newsmakers, authors and celebrities. Produced by Paramount Audio in association with Busboy Productions, The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart will be available across all major podcast platforms.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,” said Stewart. “All hail Comedy Central!”
“Jon’s return to The Daily Show has been a runaway success – a powerful reminder of why he’s the voice of our generation and so critical to the national conversation,” said Chris McCarthy, Paramount Global Office of the CEO and President/CEO, Showtime & MTV Entertainment Studios.
From MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Audio, the podcast will focus on “the most critical topics across current events,” featuring a variety of guests, including newsmakers, authors and celebrities. Produced by Paramount Audio in association with Busboy Productions, The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart will be available across all major podcast platforms.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,” said Stewart. “All hail Comedy Central!”
“Jon’s return to The Daily Show has been a runaway success – a powerful reminder of why he’s the voice of our generation and so critical to the national conversation,” said Chris McCarthy, Paramount Global Office of the CEO and President/CEO, Showtime & MTV Entertainment Studios.
- 5/9/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Jon Stewart is adding another hosting gig to his Daily Show plate — though this one isn’t on camera.
Stewart, who returned to The Daily Show for a once-a-week turn behind the desk in February, will host a podcast for Comedy Central beginning in June. It will be called The Weekly Show and will essentially bea an audio version of The Daily Show, with Stewart delving into pressing topics from the news and interviewing newsmakers, authors and celebrities.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,” Stewart joked in a statement. “All hail Comedy Central!”
Stewart has been back at The Daily Show — which he hosted for 16 years before stepping aside in 2015 — for about two months, following Comedy Central’s surprise announcement that he’d anchor the late-night show on Mondays (except for this week) through the presidential election. His return...
Stewart, who returned to The Daily Show for a once-a-week turn behind the desk in February, will host a podcast for Comedy Central beginning in June. It will be called The Weekly Show and will essentially bea an audio version of The Daily Show, with Stewart delving into pressing topics from the news and interviewing newsmakers, authors and celebrities.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,” Stewart joked in a statement. “All hail Comedy Central!”
Stewart has been back at The Daily Show — which he hosted for 16 years before stepping aside in 2015 — for about two months, following Comedy Central’s surprise announcement that he’d anchor the late-night show on Mondays (except for this week) through the presidential election. His return...
- 5/9/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon Stewart is upping his output with Comedy Central to bring a weekly audio show to your earbuds.
Stewart — after exiting “The Daily Show” in 2015 — rejoined the Comedy Central show as host on Mondays and as an executive producer this February. That came after Apple TV+ canceled his talk show last year, with Stewart claiming Apple “didn’t want me to say things that might get me in trouble.”
Now he’s signed on for a new weekly Comedy Central podcast, “The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart,” set to premiere in early June. The show will span “the most critical topics across current events,” featuring a variety of guests including newsmakers, authors and celebrities. “The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart,” produced by Paramount Audio in association with Busboy Productions, will be available across all major podcast platforms.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,...
Stewart — after exiting “The Daily Show” in 2015 — rejoined the Comedy Central show as host on Mondays and as an executive producer this February. That came after Apple TV+ canceled his talk show last year, with Stewart claiming Apple “didn’t want me to say things that might get me in trouble.”
Now he’s signed on for a new weekly Comedy Central podcast, “The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart,” set to premiere in early June. The show will span “the most critical topics across current events,” featuring a variety of guests including newsmakers, authors and celebrities. “The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart,” produced by Paramount Audio in association with Busboy Productions, will be available across all major podcast platforms.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Taylor Sheridan will continue his reign over at Paramount+ as one of his new shows at the streamer has just been given the greenlight for continuation. Deadline is reporting that Lioness, which previously held the title Special Ops: Lioness, has just been renewed for a second season. The show starred an all-star cast, including Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly and Morgan Freeman.
Lioness became a smash hit for Paramount+ as it would set a new record as the platform’s most watched worldwide series premiere on launch day that totaled nearly 6 million total viewers in its first week across Paramount+ globally, as well as on a linear preview on the Paramount Network. The militaristic espionage thriller is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios for Paramount+. Lioness premiered last summer and our own Alex Maidy was hooked just from the first episode, “While I have...
Lioness became a smash hit for Paramount+ as it would set a new record as the platform’s most watched worldwide series premiere on launch day that totaled nearly 6 million total viewers in its first week across Paramount+ globally, as well as on a linear preview on the Paramount Network. The militaristic espionage thriller is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios for Paramount+. Lioness premiered last summer and our own Alex Maidy was hooked just from the first episode, “While I have...
- 5/9/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Paramount+ today announced that the original drama series Lioness (previously titled Special Ops: Lioness) has been renewed for a second season. The espionage thriller is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios exclusively for Paramount+.
From Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan, the returning star-studded cast includes series lead and executive producer Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira; Emmy nominee Michael Kelly, with Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, who will be a series regular in season two, and Oscar winner and executive producer Nicole Kidman.
Season one of Lioness set a new record as the service’s most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day at that time, with nearly six million total viewers in its first week across Paramount+ globally and a linear preview on the Paramount Network.
“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of Lioness’ gripping, global story and the powerhouse performances from Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, and Nicole Kidman,...
From Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan, the returning star-studded cast includes series lead and executive producer Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira; Emmy nominee Michael Kelly, with Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, who will be a series regular in season two, and Oscar winner and executive producer Nicole Kidman.
Season one of Lioness set a new record as the service’s most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day at that time, with nearly six million total viewers in its first week across Paramount+ globally and a linear preview on the Paramount Network.
“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of Lioness’ gripping, global story and the powerhouse performances from Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, and Nicole Kidman,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Lioness, the Taylor Sheridan drama starring Zoe Saldaña and Laysla De Oliveira, has been renewed for a second season by Paramount+.
Previously titled Special Ops: Lioness, the drama is inspired by an actual U.S. military program that follows the life of Joe (Saldaña) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror.
The drama, which also stars Michael Kelly, Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman, set a record as the streamer’s most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day, with nearly 6 million total viewers in its first week across Paramount+ globally and on a linear preview on the Paramount Network.
The espionage thriller is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios for Paramount+.
Related: Breaking Baz: Nicole Kidman Reveals The Secret Of Her Role In Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ Spy Action Thriller ‘Special Ops: Lioness...
Previously titled Special Ops: Lioness, the drama is inspired by an actual U.S. military program that follows the life of Joe (Saldaña) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror.
The drama, which also stars Michael Kelly, Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman, set a record as the streamer’s most-watched worldwide series premiere on launch day, with nearly 6 million total viewers in its first week across Paramount+ globally and on a linear preview on the Paramount Network.
The espionage thriller is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios for Paramount+.
Related: Breaking Baz: Nicole Kidman Reveals The Secret Of Her Role In Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ Spy Action Thriller ‘Special Ops: Lioness...
- 5/9/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s a new, scary reality sinking in for both Paramount shareholders and its board of directors: What if nobody buys Paramount?
Not much more than a week ago it felt like a foregone conclusion that David Ellison would buy out Shari Redstone’s controlling stake in Paramount Global for a few billion bucks, and force Paramount to buy his Skydance for a few billion more bucks than that. That’s what Redstone wanted to happen at least, and what Redstone wants she’s pretty well set up to get. She has the shares to force whatever outcome she wants and stop whatever one she doesn’t.
But there was another suitor who could no longer be ignored.
Apollo Global Management, a private-equity fund, has been knocking on Redstone’s door for months. It’s pounding now. At first, Apollo offered $11 billion to buy out Paramount’s studio. No way,...
Not much more than a week ago it felt like a foregone conclusion that David Ellison would buy out Shari Redstone’s controlling stake in Paramount Global for a few billion bucks, and force Paramount to buy his Skydance for a few billion more bucks than that. That’s what Redstone wanted to happen at least, and what Redstone wants she’s pretty well set up to get. She has the shares to force whatever outcome she wants and stop whatever one she doesn’t.
But there was another suitor who could no longer be ignored.
Apollo Global Management, a private-equity fund, has been knocking on Redstone’s door for months. It’s pounding now. At first, Apollo offered $11 billion to buy out Paramount’s studio. No way,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Whatever fate befalls Paramount Global after the smoke clears, one of the Hollywood Trivial Pursuit questions someday will be which heavy hitters have issued statements of support for Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Paramount’s holding company, National Amusements Inc. — and which didn’t.
Even as the Paramount special committee passed on the offer from David Ellison’s company May 4, sources say the Skydance-RedBird alliance has not given up. The premise, a source with knowledge of the situation tells The Hollywood Reporter, is that the rival Apollo/Sony Pictures offer now up for Paramount’s consideration will fail for multiple reasons, with Skydance still waiting in the wings.
So despite much Wall Street skepticism over a proposed deal that favors controlling shareholder Shari Redstone over other investors, “Skydance has been on an extremely aggressive PR campaign in the last month to convince everyone how legitimate they are,” says a prominent media mogul.
Even as the Paramount special committee passed on the offer from David Ellison’s company May 4, sources say the Skydance-RedBird alliance has not given up. The premise, a source with knowledge of the situation tells The Hollywood Reporter, is that the rival Apollo/Sony Pictures offer now up for Paramount’s consideration will fail for multiple reasons, with Skydance still waiting in the wings.
So despite much Wall Street skepticism over a proposed deal that favors controlling shareholder Shari Redstone over other investors, “Skydance has been on an extremely aggressive PR campaign in the last month to convince everyone how legitimate they are,” says a prominent media mogul.
- 5/6/2024
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If no deal for the sale or merger of Paramount Global comes to fruition, talks of a combination of Paramount+ with Peacock could revive.
The saga of Paramount’s ownership future has had more twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster. The narrative took a new direction this weekend, as Paramount’s exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison and his production house Skydance Media ended on May 3 without a deal being struck. Despite initially not initially appearing interested, Paramount is now considering an offer from Sony and Apollo Global Management, and various reports indicate that the media conglomerate hasn’t ruled out doing business with Skydance either. But the probability that Paramount will not find a merger and acquisition partner in the current business environment is rising, and if that happens, the company’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone will have to determine what comes next for the legacy media outlet.
The saga of Paramount’s ownership future has had more twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster. The narrative took a new direction this weekend, as Paramount’s exclusive negotiating window with David Ellison and his production house Skydance Media ended on May 3 without a deal being struck. Despite initially not initially appearing interested, Paramount is now considering an offer from Sony and Apollo Global Management, and various reports indicate that the media conglomerate hasn’t ruled out doing business with Skydance either. But the probability that Paramount will not find a merger and acquisition partner in the current business environment is rising, and if that happens, the company’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone will have to determine what comes next for the legacy media outlet.
- 5/6/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Paramount Global has reportedly begun talks with Sony Pictures and private equity firm Apollo after the exclusive 30-day negotiating window with David Ellison’s Skydance Media expired on Friday.
Sony and Apollo are said to have put a $26bn cash offer on the table for the consideration of Shari Redstone, whose family owns Paramount Global controlling shareholder National Amusements, and a special committee.
Redstone has the power to veto any deal and was said to favour Skydance, whose CEO Ellison has long been a co-financing partner for Paramount on hits like the Mission: Impossible franchise and Top Gun: Maverick and...
Sony and Apollo are said to have put a $26bn cash offer on the table for the consideration of Shari Redstone, whose family owns Paramount Global controlling shareholder National Amusements, and a special committee.
Redstone has the power to veto any deal and was said to favour Skydance, whose CEO Ellison has long been a co-financing partner for Paramount on hits like the Mission: Impossible franchise and Top Gun: Maverick and...
- 5/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Paramount Global goes back to playing the field this week with two suitors still pursuing the company that has been surrounded by a highly public M&a drama for months. And it’s unlikely to end any time soon.
The company reached the end of its 30-day exclusive negotiating window with Skydance Media on May 3 without coming to an agreement. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management, meanwhile, are moving forward with a $26 billion all-cash offer that raises regulatory and political concerns in this election-year environment. The special committee of Paramount Global’s board of directors that has been handling the M&a negotiations now intends to proceed with discussions with both the Skydance and Sony/Apollo groups, as reported Sunday by the New York Times and confirmed by multiple sources.
That decision leaves Skydance CEO David Ellison and his backers, which include Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital, with a...
The company reached the end of its 30-day exclusive negotiating window with Skydance Media on May 3 without coming to an agreement. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management, meanwhile, are moving forward with a $26 billion all-cash offer that raises regulatory and political concerns in this election-year environment. The special committee of Paramount Global’s board of directors that has been handling the M&a negotiations now intends to proceed with discussions with both the Skydance and Sony/Apollo groups, as reported Sunday by the New York Times and confirmed by multiple sources.
That decision leaves Skydance CEO David Ellison and his backers, which include Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital, with a...
- 5/5/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
A special committee of Paramount’s board of directors decided over the weekend to formally open negotiations with Sony Pictures Entertainment and private equity group Apollo Global Management, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. The decision follows an exclusive negotiation period between Paramount and Skydance ending Friday with no deal made.
A spokesperson for the special committee declined to comment.
Sony Pictures stepped into the race by making a joint informal offer with private equity firm Apollo Global Management of $26 billion, all cash, for Paramount. When it comes to Skydance, it received the public backing Sunday of two big names: director James Cameron and Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, who voiced their support for David Ellison’s Skydance acquiring Paramount in an interview with the Financial Times.
The committee also pushed for further negotiations with Skydance. The exclusive negotiating window closing with no deal and not being extended doesn’t mean...
A spokesperson for the special committee declined to comment.
Sony Pictures stepped into the race by making a joint informal offer with private equity firm Apollo Global Management of $26 billion, all cash, for Paramount. When it comes to Skydance, it received the public backing Sunday of two big names: director James Cameron and Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, who voiced their support for David Ellison’s Skydance acquiring Paramount in an interview with the Financial Times.
The committee also pushed for further negotiations with Skydance. The exclusive negotiating window closing with no deal and not being extended doesn’t mean...
- 5/5/2024
- by Mike Roe, Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.