{{Short description|American media and entertainment conglomerate}}{{pp|small=yes}}{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}{{redirect|Comcast NBCUniversal|the parent company|Comcast}}

*factoids*

NBC line

}}30 Rockefeller Plaza>Comcast BuildingNew York City, New York (state)>New York| hq_location_country = U.S.| area_served = WorldwideMichael J. Cavanagh>{{small Bonnie Hammer{{small|(Vice Chairman)}}}}Amusement parksMusicVideo games|Web portals}}BroadcastingLicense>LicensingStreaming media>Television}}| revenue = {{up}} US$39.2 billion| revenue_year = 2022| owner = | num_employees = 35,000| num_employees_year = 2020| parent = Comcast| divisions = {{ubl

| NBCUniversal Media Group
| Universal Studios
| Universal Studio Group
| Universal Destinations & Experiences
}}| subsid = Fandango Media (75%)| website = {{official URL}}

DATE=JANUARY 29, 2011 ACCESS-DATE=JANUARY 29, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=FEBRUARY 9, 2011 ACCESS-DATE=JUNE 24, 2018 ARCHIVE-DATE=JUNE 24, 2018 ACCESS-DATE=JULY 25, 2018 ARCHIVE-DATE=JULY 25, 2018 FIRST=MEGWEBSITE=LOS ANGELES TIMESACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 15, 2018ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20180826010943/HTTP://WWW.LATIMES.COM/BUSINESS/HOLLYWOOD/LA-FI-CT-NBCUNIVERSAL-COMCAST-EARNINGS-20170427-STORY.HTML, live, | embed = }}{{Evolution of Comcast NBCUniversal}}NBCUniversal Media, LLC (abbreviated as NBCU and doing business as simply NBCUniversal or Comcast NBCUniversal since 2013) is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate that is a subsidiary of Comcast and is headquartered at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan in New York City.WEB,www.marketwatch.com/story/nbc-universal-to-sell-burbank-calif-studio-site-report, NBC Universal to sell Burbank, Calif, studio, October 11, 2007, MarketWatch, August 28, 2009, June 8, 2011,www.marketwatch.com/story/nbc-universal-to-sell-burbank-calif-studio-site-report," title="web.archive.org/web/20110608001241www.marketwatch.com/story/nbc-universal-to-sell-burbank-calif-studio-site-report,">web.archive.org/web/20110608001241www.marketwatch.com/story/nbc-universal-to-sell-burbank-calif-studio-site-report, live, NBCUniversal is primarily involved in the media and entertainment industry. The company is named for its two most significant divisions, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) â€“ one of the United States’ Big Three television networks â€“ and the major Hollywood film studio Universal Studios. It also has a significant presence in broadcasting through a portfolio of domestic and international properties, including USA, Syfy, Bravo, E!, Telemundo (Spanish), Universal Kids, the streaming service Peacock and ownership stakes in Snap and Vox Media. Via its Universal Destinations & Experiences division, NBCUniversal is also the third-largest operator of amusement parks in the world.WEB,www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf, TEA/AECOM 2017 Global Attractions Attendance Report, May 17, 2018, April 22, 2019,www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20180519000915www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20180519000915www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf, May 19, 2018, dead, Since 2018, its sister company under Comcast’s control, Sky Group Limited, holds its media and telecommunication assets.NBCUniversal was formed on May 11, 2004, beginning on November 8, 2004 as NBC Universal, Inc., with the merger of General Electric (GE)’s NBC with Vivendi Universal’s film and television subsidiary Vivendi Universal Entertainment, after GE had acquired 80% of the subsidiary, giving Vivendi a 20% share of the new company.WEB,www.vivendi.com/vivendi/IMG/pdf/15_NBCUClosing_130504.pdf, Overview of NBC Universal Merger, Levy, Jean-Bernard, May 13, 2004, Vivendi Universal, dead,www.vivendi.com/vivendi/IMG/pdf/15_NBCUClosing_130504.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20081118072633www.vivendi.com/vivendi/IMG/pdf/15_NBCUClosing_130504.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20081118072633www.vivendi.com/vivendi/IMG/pdf/15_NBCUClosing_130504.pdf, November 18, 2008, December 24, 2009, NEWS,www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B22SO20091203, TIMELINE: NBC, Universal through the 20th century and beyond, December 3, 2009, Reuters, December 24, 2009, Gina, Keating, December 8, 2009,www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B22SO20091203," title="web.archive.org/web/20091208134104www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B22SO20091203,">web.archive.org/web/20091208134104www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B22SO20091203, live, In 2011, Comcast attained 51% and thereby the control of newly reformed NBCUniversal, by purchasing shares from GE, while GE bought out Vivendi. Since 2013, the company has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast, which bought GE’s ownership stake.WEB,deadline.com/2013/03/comcast-completes-acquisition-nbcuniversal-457181/, Comcast Completes Acquisition Of GE’s 49% Stake In NBCUniversal, Lieberman, David, March 19, 2013, Deadline, en, February 25, 2019, March 27, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190327122300/https://deadline.com/2013/03/comcast-completes-acquisition-nbcuniversal-457181/, live,

History

Early history

NBC and Universal Television had a partnership dating back to 1950, when Universal Television’s earliest ancestor, Revue Studios, produced a number of shows for NBC, although Revue would have hits on other networks as well. This partnership continued throughout a number of name changes and changes of ownership.

Television

NBC Universal Television has its modern roots in a series of expansions undertaken by NBC. In the late 1980s, NBC began pursuing a strategy of diversification, including the formation of two NBC-owned cable-television networks: CNBC and America’s Talking. NBC also had partial ownership of several regional sports channels and other cable channels such as American Movie Classics and Court TV (until 2007).In 1995, NBC began operating NBC Desktop Video, a financial news service that delivered live video to personal computers. The following year, NBC announced an agreement with Microsoft to create an all-news cable television channel, MSNBC (using its subscriber base from America’s Talking network). A separate joint venture with Microsoft included establishing a news website, MSNBC.com (now NBCNews.com).WEB, April 23, 2001, Microsoft and NBC Join Forces Again To Deliver Personal Finance Powerhouse on the Web,news.microsoft.com/2001/04/23/microsoft-and-nbc-join-forces-again-to-deliver-personal-finance-powerhouse-on-the-web/, August 28, 2020, Stories, en-US, April 10, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210410140457/https://news.microsoft.com/2001/04/23/microsoft-and-nbc-join-forces-again-to-deliver-personal-finance-powerhouse-on-the-web/, live, In 1998, NBC partnered with Dow Jones & Co.NEWS,adage.com/article/news/nbc-dow-jones-reveal-merger-details/12739/, NBC, Dow jones reveal merger details, May 30, 2018, en, April 24, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220424225735/https://adage.com/article/news/nbc-dow-jones-reveal-merger-details/12739, live, The two companies combined their financial news channels outside the United States. The new networks included NBC Europe, CNBC Europe, NBC Asia, CNBC Asia, NBC Africa, and CNBC Africa.In 1999, NBC took a 32% stake in the Paxson group, operator of PAX TV. Five years later, NBC decided to sell its interest in PAX TV and end its relationship with PAX owner, Paxson Communications.NEWS,www.nytimes.com/2004/08/23/business/media-nbc-universal-and-paxson-an-odd-dance-to-a-divorce.html, MEDIA; NBC Universal And Paxson: An Odd Dance To a Divorce, Carter, Bill, August 23, 2004, The New York Times, February 25, 2019, en-US, 0362-4331, April 10, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210410140458/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/23/business/media-nbc-universal-and-paxson-an-odd-dance-to-a-divorce.html, live, In 2001, NBC acquired the US Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo, that includes the bilingual Mun2 Television for $1.98 billion.NEWS,articles.latimes.com/2001/oct/12/business/fi-56173, NBC to Acquire Telemundo Network for $1.98 Billion, James, Meg, October 12, 2001, Los Angeles Times, February 25, 2019, en-US, 0458-3035, November 29, 2016,articles.latimes.com/2001/oct/12/business/fi-56173," title="web.archive.org/web/20161129082754articles.latimes.com/2001/oct/12/business/fi-56173,">web.archive.org/web/20161129082754articles.latimes.com/2001/oct/12/business/fi-56173, live, That same year NBC acquired the cable channel Bravo.

Combining with Universal

(File:NBC Universal.svg|thumb|left|250px|NBC Universal logo from 2004-2011)In 2004, amid a major financial crisis caused by over-expansion, Universal Studios’ parent company, Vivendi Universal Entertainment (a division of the French company Vivendi Universal, now Vivendi), decided to sell an 80% stake to NBC’s parent company, General Electric (GE). The sale and resulting merger formed NBC Universal. The new company was 80% owned by GE, and 20% owned by Vivendi. The joint venture encompassed Vivendi’s US film interests (such as Universal Studios), NBC Universal Television Studio, NBC Universal Television Distribution, production and distribution units, Universal Studios Home Video, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, Back Lot Music (formerly NBC Records), as well as five theme parks, cable television channels including USA Network, Sci-Fi Channel, the defunct Trio, Cloo (formerly Sleuth) as well as 50% stakes in Canal+ and StudioCanal. Universal Music Group was not included in the deal and is not part of NBC Universal.WEB,www.nbcuni.com/About_NBC_Universal/Company_Overview/, Company Overview, NBC Universal, December 2, 2009, dead,www.nbcuni.com/About_NBC_Universal/Company_Overview/," title="web.archive.org/web/20101227214407www.nbcuni.com/About_NBC_Universal/Company_Overview/,">web.archive.org/web/20101227214407www.nbcuni.com/About_NBC_Universal/Company_Overview/, December 27, 2010, On August 2, 2004, the television divisions of NBC and Universal Television were combined to form NBC Universal Television. NBC Studios series brought into the company include the NBC dramas Las Vegas (with DreamWorks Television), Crossing Jordan, and American Dreams. Universal Network Television brought the Law & Order franchise and The Districtâ€”in fact, Universal Network Television had co-produced American Dreams with NBC before the merger.Universal Television Distribution shows also brought into company include Jerry Springer and Maury.Entertainment shows produced by the new group include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Last Call with Carson Daly, and Saturday Night Live.The formation of NBC Universal saw the establishment of NBC Universal Cable, which oversees the distribution, marketing, and advertisement sales for thirteen channels (Bravo, Bravo HD+ (eventually renamed Universal HD), Chiller, CNBC, CNBC World, MSNBC, NBC Universo, Syfy, ShopNBC (which became ShopHQ after NBCUniversal sold its stake in the network), Telemundo, Cloo, USA Network, and the Olympic Games on cable). NBC Universal Cable also manages the company’s investments in The Weather Channel and TiVo. The cable division also used to operate NBC Weather Plus until 2008. It also owned a 50% stake in Canal+ and also owned a 15% stake in A+E Networks until 2012.NEWS, de la Merced, Michael J., Comcast to Sell Back Its Stake in A&E for $3 Billion,dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/comcast-to-sell-back-its-stake-in-ae-for-3-billion/, April 17, 2013, The New York Times, DealBook, July 10, 2012, March 9, 2013,dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/comcast-to-sell-back-its-stake-in-ae-for-3-billion/," title="web.archive.org/web/20130309145705dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/comcast-to-sell-back-its-stake-in-ae-for-3-billion/,">web.archive.org/web/20130309145705dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/comcast-to-sell-back-its-stake-in-ae-for-3-billion/, live,

Global expansion

File:NBC Tower 070723.jpg|thumb|NBC Universal Chicago headquarters (NBC Tower NBC TowerIn the early 1990s, NBC began its expansion throughout Europe by creating CNBC Europe and its long-time successful NBC Europe Superstation by broadcasting NBC Giga throughout Germany and the rest of the European Union. NBC Europe helped to develop the Leipzig-based Games Convention, the largest European video game exposition with more than 100,000 visitors each year.In 2005, NBC Universal joined HANA, the High-Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance to help establish standards in consumer electronics interoperability. Later that year, NBC Universal announced a partnership with Apple Computer to offer shows from all the NBC Universal TV networks on Apple’s iTunes Store.NEWS,www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/06/AR2005120601627.html, NBC Universal, iTunes Team On Downloads of TV Shows, Noguchi, Yuki, December 7, 2005, The Washington Post, April 24, 2013, January 7, 2016,www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/06/AR2005120601627.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20160107135050www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/06/AR2005120601627.html,">web.archive.org/web/20160107135050www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/06/AR2005120601627.html, live, In January 2006, NBC Universal launched a new cable channel, Sleuth. The channel’s programming dedicated to mystery/crime genre. Sleuth Network’s initial slogan was “Mystery. Crime. All The Time.” In early 2008, the channel unveiled a new slogan, “Get Clued In.” On August 15, 2011, Sleuth rebranded as Cloo, in order to be able to trademark and own the name, as NBCUniversal cannot so with the name Clue (as Hasbro owns the rights to it with their board game Clue). NBCUniversal also explained that another reason for the name change was the word “Sleuth” is too common for search engines (a Google search brings up over 9,530,000 results).Exclusive: Sleuth Gets A New Name: Meet Cloo {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021175259www.tvguide.com/news/sleuth-name-cloo-1031554.aspx |date=October 21, 2014 }}, TV Guide, April 7, 2011Exclusive: Newly Rebranded Cloo TV Picks Up First Original Series {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021180408www.tvguide.com/news/exclusive-newly-rebranded-1035347.aspx |date=October 21, 2014 }} TV Guide July 15, 2011One year later after Sleuth’s debut, NBC Universal announced that the company would launch a horror-themed cable channel, Chiller, on March 1, 2007. At launch Chiller would be available exclusively on DirecTV. The network would feature films like Psycho and The Shining and TV series that include Twin Peaks, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Freddy’s Nightmares, (Friday the 13th: The Series), War of the Worlds and Tales from the Crypt. NBC Universal also stated that, aside from the content in their own vaults, Chiller will feature content from other studios as well. In 2009, Chiller unveiled a new slogan, “scary good”. This replaced the channel’s previous slogan “Dare To Watch”.On June 14, 2007, NBC Universal Television Studio was renamed Universal Media Studios. The company explained that the reason for the name change was because “the new name fully describes the company’s mission to be the premier content provider for television and digital platforms, spanning all television dayparts and creative genres.“PRESS RELEASE,www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20070614nuts01, NBC Universal Re-Names NBC Universal Television Studio as Universal Media Studios, NBC Universal, June 14, 2007, December 2, 2009, In August 2007, NBC Universal purchased Sparrowhawk Media Group and renamed it NBC Universal Global Networks.ENCYCLOPEDIA,www.britannica.com/topic/NBC-Universal, NBCUniversal {{!, History, Acquisitions, & Facts|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=August 11, 2017|language=en}} This acquisition gave NBC Universal all Hallmark channels outside the United States, plus the English channels Diva TV, Movies 24, Hallmark Channel and KidsCo.NEWS, NBC Universal buys 19 Hallmark channels outside the U.S., International Herald Tribune, August 28, 2007,www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/28/business/nbc.php, Eric Pfanner, December 2, 2009, August 31, 2007,www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/28/business/nbc.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20070831044727www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/28/business/nbc.php,">web.archive.org/web/20070831044727www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/28/business/nbc.php, live, Later that fall, the company also acquired the Oxygen network in a separate $925 million deal.NEWS, Michael Learmonth, NBC U Sucks in Oxygen, Daily Variety, 1, October 10, 2007, The sale was completed one month later.In the summer of 2008, NBC Universal, Blackstone Group and Bain Capital announced their intentions to buy The Weather Channel from Landmark Communications. The deal closed on September 12, 2008.NEWS, NBC Universal to buy The Weather Channel for $3.5B, The Sydney Morning Herald, July 7, 2008,news.smh.com.au/technology/nbc-universal-to-buy-the-weather-channel-for-35b-20080707-32qb.html, Seth sutel, December 2, 2009, August 3, 2008,news.smh.com.au/technology/nbc-universal-to-buy-the-weather-channel-for-35b-20080707-32qb.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20080803021400news.smh.com.au/technology/nbc-universal-to-buy-the-weather-channel-for-35b-20080707-32qb.html,">web.archive.org/web/20080803021400news.smh.com.au/technology/nbc-universal-to-buy-the-weather-channel-for-35b-20080707-32qb.html, live, Shortly after the acquisition completed, NBC announced that their existing TV weather network, NBC Weather Plus, would be shut down by December 31, 2008.In July 2008, Universal Cable Productions split off from Universal Media Studios and moved into NBCUniversal’s NBCU Cable Entertainment division.NEWS, Lafayette, Jon, NBC Taps Cable-Studio Bosses,www.tvweek.com/news/2008/07/nbc_taps_cablestudio_bosses.php, August 15, 2012, TV Week.com, July 20, 2008, dead,www.tvweek.com/news/2008/07/nbc_taps_cablestudio_bosses.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120323170925www.tvweek.com/news/2008/07/nbc_taps_cablestudio_bosses.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120323170925www.tvweek.com/news/2008/07/nbc_taps_cablestudio_bosses.php, March 23, 2012, The summer of 2008 marked NBC Universal’s first venture into the United Kingdom by acquiring English television production company Carnival Films.NEWS, Conlan, Tara, NBC Universal buy Carnival,www.theguardian.com/media/2008/aug/20/television.usa1, The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, August 20, 2008, August 20, 2008, London, September 2, 2013,www.theguardian.com/media/2008/aug/20/television.usa1," title="web.archive.org/web/20130902154227www.theguardian.com/media/2008/aug/20/television.usa1,">web.archive.org/web/20130902154227www.theguardian.com/media/2008/aug/20/television.usa1, live, On November 12, 2008, NBC Universal acquired 80.1% of Geneon Entertainment from Dentsu in Japan, merging it with Universal Pictures International Entertainment to form a new company,WEB,www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-12/geneon-to-merge-with-universal-pictures-japan, Geneon to Merge with Universal Pictures Japan, Anime News Network, November 12, 2008, November 13, 2008, June 5, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190605033442/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-12/geneon-to-merge-with-universal-pictures-japan, live, Geneon Universal Entertainment Japan.WEB,www.geneonuniversal.jp/, Geneon Universal Entertainment Japan Official Website, ja, February 22, 2009,www.geneonuniversal.jp/," title="web.archive.org/web/20130521212929www.geneonuniversal.jp/,">web.archive.org/web/20130521212929www.geneonuniversal.jp/, May 21, 2013, dead, On March 16, 2009, NBC Universal-owned cable channel Sci Fi announced that it would be changing its name to Syfy, replacing a generic term with a proprietary brand name that was able to be trademarked.NEWS,www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/business/media/16adcol.html, Sci Fi Channel Has a New Name: Now, It’s Syfy, Elliott, Stuart, March 15, 2009, The New York Times, February 25, 2019, en-US, 0362-4331, February 15, 2017,www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/business/media/16adcol.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20170215044843www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/business/media/16adcol.html,">web.archive.org/web/20170215044843www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/business/media/16adcol.html, live, The re-branding and name change took place on July 7, 2009.Syfy: Not Your Father’s Sci-Fi {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301050438money.cnn.com/2009/07/07/technology/sci_fi_channel_syfy.fortune/ |date=March 1, 2014 }}, Fortune, July 7, 2009On August 27, 2009, A&E Television Networks (A&E) merged with Lifetime Entertainment Services (Lifetime),A&E Acquires Lifetime {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102232152www.variety.com/article/VR1118007820?refCatId=14 |date=November 2, 2012 }}, Variety.com, August 27, 2009A&E Networks, Lifetime Merger Completed {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729085925www.broadcastingcable.com/article/329151-A_E_Networks_Lifetime_Merger_Completed.php |date=July 29, 2013 }}, Broadcasting & Cable, August 27, 2009 giving NBC Universal an equal share of both Lifetime and A&E with The Walt Disney Company and Hearst.On October 20, 2010, NBC Universal-owned horror/suspense-themed cable channel Chiller announced a major rebranding campaign incorporating a new logo and on-air look that launched on Wednesday, October 27, 2010.WEB,www.variety.com/article/VR1118025991.html?categoryid=14&cs=1, Chiller takes a chill pill, Marc Graser, Variety, April 17, 2020, October 23, 2010,www.variety.com/article/VR1118025991.html?categoryid=14&cs=1," title="web.archive.org/web/20101023064550www.variety.com/article/VR1118025991.html?categoryid=14&cs=1,">web.archive.org/web/20101023064550www.variety.com/article/VR1118025991.html?categoryid=14&cs=1, live, Chiller Announces Major Redesign {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023064549tvbythenumbers.com/2010/10/20/chiller-announces-major-redesign-incorporating-tagline-scary-good/68925 |date=October 23, 2010 }}, TV By the Numbers, October 20, 2010 Syfy and Chiller President Dave Howe said, “We have very ambitious plans to grow this network as a brand.”

Comcast era (2011â€“present)

File:Universal City, Comcast-NBCUniversal Headquarters New.jpg|thumb|10 Universal City Plaza (in Los Angeles County) in 2015 after Comcast acquired GE’s remaining stake in NBCUniversal. Notice the wording on the top of the building changed. The Comcast headquarters can be seen at Universal Studios Hollywood.]]File:Comcast NBCUniversal logo.svg|thumb|Alternate logo used from 2013 to 2024 to promote Comcast ComcastOn December 3, 2009, after months of rumors, a deal was formally announced in which Comcast would buy a stake in NBC Universal from GE for $6.5 billion after the spin-off of certain businesses, pending regulatory approval.NEWS, Wilkerson, David B., Steven Goldstein, Comcast scores controlling stake in NBC Universal, MarketWatch, December 3, 2009,www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-to-buy-nbc-stake-as-venture-formed-2009-12-03, December 3, 2009, April 6, 2015,www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-to-buy-nbc-stake-as-venture-formed-2009-12-03," title="web.archive.org/web/20150406055658www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-to-buy-nbc-stake-as-venture-formed-2009-12-03,">web.archive.org/web/20150406055658www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-to-buy-nbc-stake-as-venture-formed-2009-12-03, live, Under the agreement, NBC Universal would be controlled with a 51% stake by Comcast and GE would retain the remaining 49%. The deal includes a provision under which Comcast must contribute $7.5 billion in programming including regional sports networks and cable channels such as Golf Channel, Versus, PBS Kids Sprout and E! Entertainment Television. GE used some of the funds, $5.8 billion, to buy out Vivendi’s 20% minority stake in NBC Universal. Under the terms of the deal, Comcast reserves the right to buy out GE’s share at certain times, and GE reserves the right to force the sale of their stake within the first seven years.NEWS,online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091203-704378.html, Vivendi to Sell 20% Stake in NBCU to GE for $5.8 Bln, The Wall Street Journal, December 3, 2009, {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} Vivendi completed the initial transaction on September 27, 2010, selling a $2 billion stake to GE (approximately 7.66%).NEWS,www.cnbc.coid/39376134, Vivendi Sells $2 billion NBC Universal Stake to GE, September 27, 2010, CNBC, dead, https:web.archive.org/web/20151106233249www.cnbc.com//id/39376134, November 6, 2015, U.S. regulators approved the proposed sale on January 18, 2011, with conditions. Comcast would have to give up NBC control over online video site Hulu and ensure NBC Universal programming is available to competing cable operators.WEB,www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1824165520110118?feedType=RSS&feedName=technology-media-telco-SP&rpc=43, UPDATE 2-U.S. regulators approve Comcast-NBCU deal, January 18, 2011, Reuters, Paul, Thomasch, May 8, 2016, September 24, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200924025707/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1824165520110118?feedType=RSS&feedName=technology-media-telco-SP&rpc=43, live, The company unveiled a new logo designed by Wolff Olins, which replaced a logo featuring the NBC peacock and an invocation of the Universal Pictures globe, with a wordmark. The company also began to stylize its name in CamelCase as “NBCUniversal” rather than “NBC Universal”, to reflect the unity of its two main divisions.WEB,mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/lost-in-the-comcast-takeover-a-logos-peacock/, Lost in the Comcast Takeover? A Logo’s Peacock, Stelter, Brian, January 27, 2011, Media Decoder Blog, The New York Times Company, en-US, February 25, 2019, March 16, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210316151756/https://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/lost-in-the-comcast-takeover-a-logos-peacock/, live, On January 26, 2011, Vivendi sold the remaining 20% of NBC Universal to GE, giving GE complete control of the company ahead of the completion of the sale of 51% of the company to Comcast on January 28, 2011.NEWS,www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703293204576105392747186936, Vivendi Wraps Up Sale of NBC Universal Stake, Colchester, Max, January 27, 2011, The Wall Street Journal, February 25, 2019, en-US, 0099-9660, April 10, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210410140459/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703293204576105392747186936, live, Comcast and GE formed the joint venture holding company NBCUniversal, LLC. NBC Universal, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of the holding company and adopted the name, NBCUniversal Media, LLC, on January 29, 2011.biz.yahoo.com/e/110131/ge8-k.html" title="web.archive.org/web/20110519133824biz.yahoo.com/e/110131/ge8-k.html">8-K filed on 01/31/2011 General Electric CompanyComcast had planned to buy out GE’s 49% stake over the following seven years, but ownership of NBCUniversal remained split at 51â€“49% for two years, until the February 12, 2013 announcement that Comcast intended to complete the $16.7 billion purchase early, all at once. The sale was completed on March 19, 2013.NEWS,money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20130212&id=16113978, Comcast to buy GE’s 49 pct stake in NBCUniversal, Nakashima, Ryan, February 12, 2013, MSN, Associated Press, February 12, 2013,money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20130212&id=16113978," title="web.archive.org/web/20130216103100money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20130212&id=16113978,">web.archive.org/web/20130216103100money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20130212&id=16113978, February 16, 2013, dead, WEB,mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/comcast-buying-g-e-s-stake-in-nbcuniversal-for-16-7-billion/, Comcast Buys Rest of NBC in Early Sale, Chozick, Amy, Stelter, Brian, February 12, 2013, Media Decoder Blog, The New York Times Company, en-US, February 25, 2019, April 26, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210426025450/https://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/comcast-buying-g-e-s-stake-in-nbcuniversal-for-16-7-billion/, live, (2013-03-19) weblink {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707154122www.deadline.com/2013/03/comcast-completes-acquisition-nbcuniversal/|date=July 7, 2014}}. Deadline, “Comcast Completes Acquisition Of GE’s 49% Stake In NBCUniversal”. Retrieved on March 19, 2013.The corporation on July 19, 2012, formed the NBCUniversal News Group with the NBC News, CNBC, and MSNBC divisions.“New York Deadline” Pat Fili-Krushel To Oversee NBCUniversal News Group {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419183056www.deadline.com/2012/07/pat-fili-krushel-to-oversee-nbcuniversal-news-group/ |date=April 19, 2014 }} deadline.com, Retrieved on July 23, 2012In February 2013, NBCUniversal merged its two cable divisions, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment & Cable Studios and NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media, into one unit while moving out Telemundo and Mun2 to a new division, NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content. The move also created the corporate-level position of executive vice president in charge of digital ventures.NEWS,articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/04/entertainment/la-et-ct-bonnie-hammer-takes-charge-of-nbcuniversal-cable-channels-20130204, Bonnie Hammer to lead NBCUniversal cable entertainment channels, James, Meg, February 4, 2013, Los Angeles Times, February 25, 2019, en-US, 0458-3035, March 6, 2016,web.archive.org/web/20160306183309/https://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/04/entertainment/la-et-ct-bonnie-hammer-takes-charge-of-nbcuniversal-cable-channels-20130204, live, In July, the company placed NBC TV Stations and Telemundo’s O&Os stations into a new division, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, with New England Cable News being transferred into NBC TV Stations.WEB, NBC’s Owned Stations Reorganize,www.broadcastingcable.com/article/494650-NBC_s_Owned_Stations_Reorganize.php, Broadcasting & Cable, NewBay Media LLC, August 5, 2013, On April 28, 2016, NBCUniversal officially announced its intent to acquire DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion.WEB,www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nbcuniversal-buys-dreamworks--20160428-story.html, Comcast’s NBCUniversal buys DreamWorks Animation in $3.8-billion deal, James, Meg, April 28, 2016, Los Angeles Times, April 28, 2016, November 29, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20191129084815/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nbcuniversal-buys-dreamworks--20160428-story.html, live, Universal Pictures took over the distribution for DreamWorks Animation films after their deal with 20th Century Fox expired. The sale was approved by board members, but was subject to regulatory approval.NEWS, Comcast is buying Dreamworks in a $3.8 billion acquisition,www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/04/28/comcast-is-buying-dreamworks-in-a-3-8-billion-acquisition/, April 28, 2016, Brian, Fung, Washington Post, May 1, 2016, April 29, 2016,web.archive.org/web/20160429134321/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/04/28/comcast-is-buying-dreamworks-in-a-3-8-billion-acquisition/, live, WEB, How A DreamWorks-Illumination Combo Beats Disney At The B.O.,deadline.com/2016/04/dreamworks-animation-illumination-entertainment-box-office-disney-1201746534/, Anthony, D’Alessandro, Deadline Hollywood, April 29, 2016, May 2, 2016, May 2, 2016,deadline.com/2016/04/dreamworks-animation-illumination-entertainment-box-office-disney-1201746534/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160502095403deadline.com/2016/04/dreamworks-animation-illumination-entertainment-box-office-disney-1201746534/,">web.archive.org/web/20160502095403deadline.com/2016/04/dreamworks-animation-illumination-entertainment-box-office-disney-1201746534/, live, On June 21, 2016, the acquisition was approved by the United States Department of Justice.WEB, Antitrust Officials Clear Comcast’s $3.8B DreamWorks Animation Acquisition,deadline.com/2016/06/justice-department-clears-comcast-acquisition-dreamworks-animation-1201776808/, David, Lieberman, Deadline Hollywood, June 21, 2016, June 23, 2016, June 22, 2016,deadline.com/2016/06/justice-department-clears-comcast-acquisition-dreamworks-animation-1201776808/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160622132756deadline.com/2016/06/justice-department-clears-comcast-acquisition-dreamworks-animation-1201776808/,">web.archive.org/web/20160622132756deadline.com/2016/06/justice-department-clears-comcast-acquisition-dreamworks-animation-1201776808/, live, WEB, NBCUniversal’s Ron Meyer: Here’s why we bought Dreamworks Animation,www.cnbc.com/2016/07/07/nbcuniversals-ron-meyer-heres-why-we-bought-dreamworks-animation.html, CNBC, NBCUniversal, Julia, Boorstin, July 7, 2016, September 10, 2017, August 4, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170804060014/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/07/nbcuniversals-ron-meyer-heres-why-we-bought-dreamworks-animation.html, live, On August 22, 2016, the deal was completed, and DreamWorks Animation is now a wholly owned subsidiary of NBCUniversal.WEB,variety.com/2016/film/news/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201842240/, Variety, Comcast Completes $3.8 Billion Purchase of DreamWorks Animation, Dave, McNary, August 22, 2016, December 11, 2017, October 24, 2016,variety.com/2016/film/news/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201842240/," title="web.archive.org/web/20161024034426variety.com/2016/film/news/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201842240/,">web.archive.org/web/20161024034426variety.com/2016/film/news/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201842240/, live, This gave Universal Pictures distribution to both DreamWorks Animation and Illumination films beginning in 2019.On February 15, 2017, Universal Studios acquired a minority stake in Amblin Partners, strengthening the relationship between Universal and Amblin.NEWS, Perry, Spencer, Universal Studios Buys a Minority Stake in Amblin Partners,www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/814659-universal-studios-buys-a-minority-stake-in-amblin-partners, February 20, 2017, Comingsoon.net, February 15, 2017, February 20, 2017,www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/814659-universal-studios-buys-a-minority-stake-in-amblin-partners," title="web.archive.org/web/20170220180118www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/814659-universal-studios-buys-a-minority-stake-in-amblin-partners,">web.archive.org/web/20170220180118www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/814659-universal-studios-buys-a-minority-stake-in-amblin-partners, live, On February 28, 2017, NBCUniversal announced that it would acquire the remaining 49% stake in the Universal Studios Japan theme park that it did not own.NEWS,www.wsj.com/articles/comcast-to-buy-remaining-stake-in-universal-studios-japan-for-2-3-billion-1488296417, Comcast to Buy Remaining Stake in Universal Studios Japan for $2.3 Billion, Jamerson, Joshua, February 28, 2017, The Wall Street Journal, February 25, 2019, en-US, 0099-9660, April 10, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210410140457/https://www.wsj.com/articles/comcast-to-buy-remaining-stake-in-universal-studios-japan-for-2-3-billion-1488296417, live, On May 1, 2017, NBCUniversal announced that Sprout would be relaunched as Universal Kids on September 9, 2017. Universal Pictures’ acquisition of DreamWorks Animation in 2016 would also be leveraged by Universal Kids to bolster its programming. Industry observers felt that the integration of DreamWorks IP with Universal Kids would help NBCUniversal establish a viable multi-platform competitor to other major children’s networks (such as Paramount’s Nickelodeon, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel).NEWS, Steinberg, Brian, NBCU’s Sprout Grows Up: Universal Kids to Debut in September,variety.com/2017/tv/news/sprout-universal-kids-tv-nbcuniversal-1202404505/, May 8, 2017, Variety, May 1, 2017, December 11, 2017,variety.com/2017/tv/news/sprout-universal-kids-tv-nbcuniversal-1202404505/," title="web.archive.org/web/20171211170656variety.com/2017/tv/news/sprout-universal-kids-tv-nbcuniversal-1202404505/,">web.archive.org/web/20171211170656variety.com/2017/tv/news/sprout-universal-kids-tv-nbcuniversal-1202404505/, live, WEB,kidscreen.com/2017/05/01/a-new-age-sprout-to-become-universal-kids/, A new age: Sprout to become Universal Kids, Getzler, Wendy, Kidscreen, May 1, 2017, May 1, 2017, May 1, 2017,kidscreen.com/2017/05/01/a-new-age-sprout-to-become-universal-kids/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170501203027kidscreen.com/2017/05/01/a-new-age-sprout-to-become-universal-kids/,">web.archive.org/web/20170501203027kidscreen.com/2017/05/01/a-new-age-sprout-to-become-universal-kids/, live, NEWS,www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/business/media/nbcuniversal-childrens-channel.html, NBCUniversal Is Building Its Own Children’s Channel, Barnes, Brooks, April 30, 2017, The New York Times, February 25, 2019, en-US, 0362-4331, April 10, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210410140458/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/business/media/nbcuniversal-childrens-channel.html, live, WEB,www.animationmagazine.net/people/nbcu-evp-duccio-donati-takes-on-dreamworks-channel/, NBCU EVP Duccio Donati Takes on DreamWorks Channel, Animation Magazine, August 3, 2017, August 4, 2017, August 4, 2017,www.animationmagazine.net/people/nbcu-evp-duccio-donati-takes-on-dreamworks-channel/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170804214548www.animationmagazine.net/people/nbcu-evp-duccio-donati-takes-on-dreamworks-channel/,">web.archive.org/web/20170804214548www.animationmagazine.net/people/nbcu-evp-duccio-donati-takes-on-dreamworks-channel/, live, WEB,kidscreen.com/2017/08/04/duccio-donati-tapped-for-new-kids-role-at-nbcuniversal/, Duccio Donati tapped for new kids role at NBCUniversal, Kidscreen, August 4, 2017, September 3, 2017, August 4, 2017,kidscreen.com/2017/08/04/duccio-donati-tapped-for-new-kids-role-at-nbcuniversal/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170804220600kidscreen.com/2017/08/04/duccio-donati-tapped-for-new-kids-role-at-nbcuniversal/,">web.archive.org/web/20170804220600kidscreen.com/2017/08/04/duccio-donati-tapped-for-new-kids-role-at-nbcuniversal/, live, On May 10, 2017, NBCUniversal announced that it had acquired Denver-based online platform Craftsy for its Cable Entertainment Group division.NEWS, Littleton, Cynthia, NBCUniversal Acquires Majority Stake in Craftsy Digital Network,variety.com/2017/digital/news/nbcuniversal-craftsy-acquire-lifestyle-1202422222/, May 23, 2017, Variety, May 10, 2017, July 4, 2017,variety.com/2017/digital/news/nbcuniversal-craftsy-acquire-lifestyle-1202422222/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170704075032variety.com/2017/digital/news/nbcuniversal-craftsy-acquire-lifestyle-1202422222/,">web.archive.org/web/20170704075032variety.com/2017/digital/news/nbcuniversal-craftsy-acquire-lifestyle-1202422222/, live,

Attempted takeover of 21st Century Fox assets and Comcast’s subsequent acquisition of Sky

On November 16, 2017, NBCUniversal’s parent company Comcast made a bid to acquire 21st Century Fox’s filmed entertainment, cable entertainment, and international assets, ten days after The Walt Disney Company (at the time, owners of rival network ABC, cable sports channel ESPN and theme parks Disneyland and Walt Disney World) was reported to be negotiating with Fox for the same assets. The deal contained key assets such as the 20th Century Fox film and television studios, 30% stake in Hulu, television assets FX Networks, National Geographic Channel, and international television operations such as Star India, while excluding the Fox Broadcasting Company, the Fox News Channel, Fox Television Stations, Fox Business Network, Fox Sports 1 and 2, Fox Deportes, and the Big Ten Network, all of which were spun off into the “New Fox” company (later known as the Fox Corporation) run by the Murdoch family.NEWS,deadline.com/2017/11/comcast-21st-century-fox-acquisition-talks-report-1202210244/, Comcast-Fox Deal Talks Latest Entry Into Media Merger Mania, Chmielewski, Dawn C., November 16, 2017, Deadline Hollywood, November 28, 2017, Hayes, Dade, June 28, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180628233812/https://deadline.com/2017/11/comcast-21st-century-fox-acquisition-talks-report-1202210244/, live, NEWS,www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-inquiring-21st-century-fox-assets-1059499, Sony Also Inquiring About 21st Century Fox Assets, Bond, James, November 17, 2017, The Hollywood Reporter, November 17, 2017, Eldridge Industries, en-US, November 18, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20171118094022/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-inquiring-21st-century-fox-assets-1059499, live, However, on December 11, 2017, Comcast officially dropped the bid, saying that “We never got the level of engagement needed to make a definitive offer.“NEWS,www.reuters.com/article/us-fox-m-a-comcast-exclusive/comcast-drops-bid-for-fox-assets-leaving-disney-in-pole-position-idUSKBN1E52OM, Comcast drops bid for Fox assets, leaving Disney in pole position, Reuter Staff, Reuter Staff, December 11, 2017, Reuters, December 11, 2017, November 9, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20201109042941/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fox-m-a-comcast-exclusive/comcast-drops-bid-for-fox-assets-leaving-disney-in-pole-position-idUSKBN1E52OM, live, On December 14, 2017, Disney officially confirmed its acquisition of the most 21st Century Fox assets, which was granted approval from the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division on June 27, 2018, and approved by stockholders from both companies one month later.NEWS,money.cnn.com/2017/12/14/media/disney-fox-deal/index.html, Disney is buying most of 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion, Riley, Charles and Hadas Gold, CNNMoney, December 14, 2017, January 21, 2018,money.cnn.com/2017/12/14/media/disney-fox-deal/index.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20180121041657money.cnn.com/2017/12/14/media/disney-fox-deal/index.html,">web.archive.org/web/20180121041657money.cnn.com/2017/12/14/media/disney-fox-deal/index.html, live, On April 25, 2018, Comcast launched its takeover offer for Sky plc at Â£12.50 per-share, or approximately Â£22.1 billion.NEWS,www.bbc.com/news/business-43209100, Murdoch bid for Sky challenged by US giant, February 27, 2018, BBC News, February 27, 2018, February 27, 2018,www.bbc.com/news/business-43209100," title="web.archive.org/web/20180227084355www.bbc.com/news/business-43209100,">web.archive.org/web/20180227084355www.bbc.com/news/business-43209100, live, NEWS,www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43891132, Comcast starts Â£22bn bidding war for Sky, Wilson, Bill, April 25, 2018, BBC News, April 25, 2018, en-GB, April 25, 2018,www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43891132," title="web.archive.org/web/20180425103117www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43891132,">web.archive.org/web/20180425103117www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43891132, live, 21st Century Fox owned a significant stake in Sky and was trying to take full control of it itself, ahead of its own acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke stated that purchasing Sky would roughly double its presence in English-speaking markets, and allow for synergies between the respective networks and studios of NBCUniversal and Sky.NEWS,deadline.com/2018/02/nbcus-steve-burke-claims-comcasts-31b-sky-deal-will-boost-scripted-tv-film-fortunes-1202304579/, NBCU’s Steve Burke Claims Comcast’s $31B Sky Deal Will Boost Scripted TV & Film Fortunes, Fox Notes No “Firm Offer” Was Made; 21st Century Fox Reacts â€“ Update, White, Peter, February 27, 2018, Deadline Hollywood, February 27, 2018, February 27, 2018,deadline.com/2018/02/nbcus-steve-burke-claims-comcasts-31b-sky-deal-will-boost-scripted-tv-film-fortunes-1202304579/," title="web.archive.org/web/20180227190952deadline.com/2018/02/nbcus-steve-burke-claims-comcasts-31b-sky-deal-will-boost-scripted-tv-film-fortunes-1202304579/,">web.archive.org/web/20180227190952deadline.com/2018/02/nbcus-steve-burke-claims-comcasts-31b-sky-deal-will-boost-scripted-tv-film-fortunes-1202304579/, live, On June 5, 2018, Culture Secretary Matt Hancock cleared both 21st Century Fox and Comcast’s respective offers to acquire Sky plc. Fox’s offer was contingent on the divestiture of Sky News.NEWS,www.bbc.com/news/business-44373621, Sky bid battle looms after government nod, June 5, 2018, BBC News, June 5, 2018, en-GB, June 6, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180606011906/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-44373621, live, NEWS, Szalai, Georg, U.K. Approves Fox’s Sky Bid, Subject to Sale of Sky News, and Clears Comcast Offer,www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/uk-approves-foxs-sky-bid-subject-sale-sky-news-clears-comcast-offer-1115661, June 5, 2018, The Hollywood Reporter, June 6, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180606052042/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/uk-approves-foxs-sky-bid-subject-sale-sky-news-clears-comcast-offer-1115661, live, On June 15, 2018, the European Commission gave antitrust clearance to Comcast’s offer to purchase Sky, citing that in terms of their current assets in Europe, there would be limited impact on competition. Comcast included a 10-year commitment to the operations and funding of Sky News.NEWS,www.wsj.com/articles/comcast-clears-eu-hurdle-in-29-billion-bid-for-sky-1529076176, Comcast Clears EU Hurdle in $29 Billion Bid for Sky, Woo, Stu, June 15, 2018, The Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2018, en-US, 0099-9660, June 18, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180618044750/https://www.wsj.com/articles/comcast-clears-eu-hurdle-in-29-billion-bid-for-sky-1529076176, live, {{subscription required}}NEWS,www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-15/comcast-clears-eu-antitrust-hurdle-for-sky-ahead-of-disney-fight, Comcast Clears EU Antitrust Hurdle for Sky Ahead of Disney Fight, June 15, 2018, Bloomberg.com, June 18, 2018, en, June 18, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180618203319/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-15/comcast-clears-eu-antitrust-hurdle-for-sky-ahead-of-disney-fight, live, {{subscription required}}NEWS,www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/eu-clears-comcasts-bid-sky-1107237, EU Clears Comcast’s Bid for Sky, The Hollywood Reporter, June 18, 2018, en, June 16, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180616133036/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/eu-clears-comcasts-bid-sky-1107237, live, On July 11, 2018, Fox increased its bid for Sky to Â£14.00 per-share, valuing it at Â£24.5 billion. Comcast subsequently counterbid just hours later with an offer at Â£14.75 per-share, valued at Â£26 billion.NEWS,www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44791383, Murdoch’s Fox increases Sky bid, July 11, 2018, BBC News, July 11, 2018, en-GB, July 11, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180711064231/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44791383, live, NEWS,variety.com/2018/tv/news/takeover-body-hikes-price-disney-would-need-to-offer-for-sky-1202872637/, U.K. Takeover Body Hikes Price Disney Would Need to Offer for Sky, Clarke, Stewart, July 13, 2018, Variety, July 13, 2018, en-US, July 13, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180713121920/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/takeover-body-hikes-price-disney-would-need-to-offer-for-sky-1202872637/, live, On September 20, 2018, the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers ordered that a blind auction be held “in order to provide an orderly framework for the resolution of this competitive situation”. In this process, Fox, followed by Comcast, made new cash-only bids for Sky. After these first two rounds of bidding, there would be a third round where both companies could make new offers. However, the third round of bidding would only be binding if both companies make a bid.WEB,www.theguardian.com/business/2018/sep/20/sky-takeover-battle-fox-comcast-auction-regulator, Sky takeover battle must go to auction, orders regulator, Waterson, Jim, September 20, 2018, the Guardian, en, September 20, 2018, September 20, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180920123603/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/sep/20/sky-takeover-battle-fox-comcast-auction-regulator, live, Comcast won the auction with a bid of Â£17.28 per-share, beating Fox’s bid of Â£15.67.NEWS,techcrunch.com/2018/09/22/comcast-outbids-fox-in-40b-battle-for-sky/, Comcast outbids Fox in $40B battle for Sky, Clark, Kate, September 22, 2018, TechCrunch, September 22, 2018, en-US, September 22, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180922184633/https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/22/comcast-outbids-fox-in-40b-battle-for-sky/, live, NEWS,www.bbc.com/news/business-45615441, Sky: Comcast outbids Fox with Â£30bn bid for broadcaster, September 22, 2018, BBC News, September 22, 2018, en-GB, September 22, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180922183747/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45615441, live, Sky plc had until October 11, 2018, to formally accept this offer.NEWS,variety.com/2018/tv/global/comcast-buys-sky-shares-open-market-1202956344/, Comcast Buys Over 30% of Sky on Open Market, Seeks More Before Takeover Deadline, Clarke, Stewart, September 25, 2018, Variety, September 27, 2018, en-US, September 27, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180927085738/https://variety.com/2018/tv/global/comcast-buys-sky-shares-open-market-1202956344/, live, Following its auction victory, Comcast began to acquire Sky shares from the open market. On September 26, 2018, Fox subsequently announced its intent to sell all of its shares in Sky plc to Comcast for Â£12 billion.WEB,www.theguardian.com/media/2018/sep/26/rupert-murdochs-sky-reign-to-end-as-fox-sells-all-shares-to-comcast, Rupert Murdoch’s Sky reign to end as Fox sells all shares to Comcast, Waterson, Jim, September 26, 2018, The Guardian, en, September 27, 2018, November 17, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20201117140713/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/sep/26/rupert-murdochs-sky-reign-to-end-as-fox-sells-all-shares-to-comcast, live, On October 4, 2018, Fox completed the sale of their shares, giving Comcast a 76.8% controlling stake at the time.NEWS,variety.com/2018/tv/news/comcast-closes-deal-for-foxs-sky-stake-owns-over-75-of-european-pay-tv-giant-1202973728/, Comcast Closes Deal for Fox’s Sky Stake, Owns Over 75% of European Pay-TV Giant, Clarke, Stewart, October 9, 2018, Variety, October 11, 2018, en-US, October 11, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20181011082433/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/comcast-closes-deal-for-foxs-sky-stake-owns-over-75-of-european-pay-tv-giant-1202973728/, live, On October 12, 2018, Comcast announced it will compulsorily acquire the rest of Sky after its bid gained acceptances from 95.3% of the broadcaster’s shareholders with the company being delisted by early 2019.WEB,www.stockmarketwire.com/article/6165253/Comcast-to-buy-remaining-Sky-shares-after-bid-gets-95pct-acceptance.html, Comcast to buy remaining Sky shares after bid gets 95% acceptance, October 12, 2018, Stock Market Wire, October 15, 2018, October 14, 2018,www.stockmarketwire.com/article/6165253/Comcast-to-buy-remaining-Sky-shares-after-bid-gets-95pct-acceptance.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20181014204116www.stockmarketwire.com/article/6165253/Comcast-to-buy-remaining-Sky-shares-after-bid-gets-95pct-acceptance.html,">web.archive.org/web/20181014204116www.stockmarketwire.com/article/6165253/Comcast-to-buy-remaining-Sky-shares-after-bid-gets-95pct-acceptance.html, live, Sky was delisted on November 7, 2018, after Comcast acquired all remaining shares.WEB,www.cmcsa.com/static-files/ab8e5d23-2bf7-4929-83cf-45033c1891d6, Recommended mandatory superior cash offer for Sky: Compulsory acquisition of Sky shares, October 12, 2018, Comcast, August 27, 2019, April 1, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220401063602/https://www.cmcsa.com/static-files/ab8e5d23-2bf7-4929-83cf-45033c1891d6, live, While NBCUniversal and Sky still operate mainly as separate entities within Comcast, following the Sky takeover Comcast has begun the process of integrating some of NBCUniversal’s international operations with parts of Sky. Among other moves, NBCUniversal’s pay television channels in the United Kingdom will be folded with Sky’s, and Sky Deutschland will become the parent company of NBCU’s German networks.WEB,variety.com/2019/digital/news/merger-of-sky-nbcu-operations-begins-post-comcast-takeover-1203181562/, Merger of Sky, NBCU Operations Begins Post-Comcast Takeover, Keslassy, Elsa, Clarke, Stewart, April 5, 2019, Variety, en, August 27, 2019, April 10, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210410140459/https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/merger-of-sky-nbcu-operations-begins-post-comcast-takeover-1203181562/, live,

Preparation of Peacock streaming service

On January 14, 2019, NBCUniversal announced that it will launch an over-the-top streaming service to compete with Netflix, CBS All Access, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV+, HBO Max, and Disney+.NEWS, Steinberg, Brian, Littleton, Cynthia, What We Know About NBCUniversal’s Future Streaming Service,variety.com/2019/tv/news/nbcuniversal-streaming-service-details-1203108034/, January 15, 2019, Variety, January 15, 2019, en, January 15, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190115220513/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/nbcuniversal-streaming-service-details-1203108034/, live, A reorganization of the major direct reporting division was made. Bonnie Hammer was appointed chairman of NBCUniversal Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises via the streaming services and the Digital Enterprises unit. Her former unit, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group, was given to Mark Lazarus as chairman, NBCUniversal Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News. Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Jeff Shell added NBC Entertainment, Telemundo and international channels as chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment.NEWS, Steinberg, Brian, NBCUniversal Shakeup: Mark Lazarus, Jeff Shell and Bonnie Hammer Promoted, Streaming Service to Launch in 2020 (EXCLUSIVE),variety.com/2019/tv/news/nbcuniversal-jeff-shell-mark-lazarus-bonnie-hammer-streaming-1203105966/, January 15, 2019, Variety, January 14, 2019, en, January 14, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190114220742/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/nbcuniversal-jeff-shell-mark-lazarus-bonnie-hammer-streaming-1203105966/, live, On September 17, 2019, NBCUniversal announced the service would be called Peacock and is expected to launch in July 2020.WEB, Andreeva, Nellie, NBCU Streamer Gets Name, Sets Slate Of Reboots, ‘Dr. Death’, Ed Helms & Amber Ruffin Series, ‘Parks & Rec’,deadline.com/2019/09/nbcu-streamer-peacock-name-slate-of-reboots-dr-death-mike-schur-ed-helms-series-amber-ruffin-parks-recreation-1202736689, Deadline Hollywood, September 17, 2019, September 17, 2019, September 17, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20190917185437/https://deadline.com/2019/09/nbcu-streamer-peacock-name-slate-of-reboots-dr-death-mike-schur-ed-helms-series-amber-ruffin-parks-recreation-1202736689/, live, NBCUniversal Content Studios was formed in October 2019 with Hammer as chairman and George Cheeks as vice chairman, who was co-chairman of NBC Entertainment. This new unit consists of Universal Television and Universal Content Productions. Hammer was replaced as chairman of the Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises unit by Comcast executive Matt Strauss, while Paul Telegdy would become sole chairman of NBC Entertainment and continue reporting to Shell.NEWS,variety.com/2019/tv/news/nbc-tv-restructuring-bonnie-hammer-paul-telegdy-1203361054/, NBCUniversal Shakeup: Bonnie Hammer to Head Studios, Paul Telegdy Goes Solo at NBC, Littleton, Cynthia, October 7, 2019, Variety, October 8, 2019, Low, Elaine, en, October 7, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20191007190742/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/nbc-tv-restructuring-bonnie-hammer-paul-telegdy-1203361054/, live, On February 25, 2020, Comcast announced it would purchase Xumo from the Panasonic/Viant joint venture for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition of the serviceâ€”which will continue to operate as an independent business, albeit within Comcast’s cable television divisionâ€”stems mainly from Xumo’s partnerships with smart TV manufacturers (including LG, Panasonic, and Vizio), which would allow Comcast to use Xumo’s placement to market or showcase Xfinity and other Comcast services as well as use its technology to develop additional streaming platforms. The company plans to add content from the NBCUniversal programming library and the company’s various television networks as well as use it to upsell its free/subscription hybrid service Peacock, akin to ViacomCBS’s utilization of Pluto TV to offer content from its cable networks following the former Viacom’s purchase of the rival streamer in the Spring of 2019.WEB,www.broadcastingcable.com/news/comcast-buys-ad-supported-streaming-service-xumo, Comcast Buys Ad-Supported Streaming Service Xumo, Jon Lafayette, February 25, 2020, Future US, Broadcasting & Cable, April 21, 2020, February 29, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200229134700/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/comcast-buys-ad-supported-streaming-service-xumo, live, NEWS, Alex Sherman,www.cnbc.com/2020/02/25/comcast-to-buy-xumo-for-ad-supported-streaming-service-and-technology.html, Why Comcast agreed to buy Xumo, an ad-supported free streaming service, February 25, 2020, NBCUniversal News Group, CNBC, April 21, 2020, February 24, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210224043140/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/25/comcast-to-buy-xumo-for-ad-supported-streaming-service-and-technology.html, live, WEB,variety.com/2020/digital/news/comcast-acquires-xumo-free-streaming-video-service-1203515001/, Comcast Acquires Xumo Free-Streaming Video Service, Todd Spangler, February 25, 2020, Penske Media Corporation, Variety (magazine), Variety, April 21, 2020, April 10, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210410140505/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/comcast-acquires-xumo-free-streaming-video-service-1203515001/, live,

Vudu acquisition

In February 2020, it was reported that Comcast (via NBCUniversal) had entered talks into acquiring Vudu from Walmart.WEB,deadline.com/2020/02/comcast-walmart-vudu-1202865987/, Comcast In Talks To Buy Walmart’s Streaming Service Vudu, Goldsmith, Jill, Deadline, February 21, 2020, February 27, 2020, February 23, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200223144755/https://deadline.com/2020/02/comcast-walmart-vudu-1202865987/, live, On April 20, 2020, Fandango (owned by NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery) announced that they would be acquiring Vudu.WEB,www.theverge.com/2020/4/20/21228486/fandango-vudu-streaming-purchase-walmart-comcast-nbcuniversal-amazon-itunes, Fandango just purchased Vudu from Walmart to better compete against Amazon, iTunes, Alexander, Julia, The Verge, April 20, 2020, April 20, 2020, April 21, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200421002244/https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/20/21228486/fandango-vudu-streaming-purchase-walmart-comcast-nbcuniversal-amazon-itunes, live, WEB,www.adweek.com/tv-video/nbcus-ticketing-and-vod-service-fandango-acquires-walmart-owned-vudu/, NBCU’s Fandango Ticketing Service Buys Walmart-Owned Vudu, www.adweek.com, April 20, 2020, en-US, April 21, 2020, December 13, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20201213112901/https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/nbcus-ticketing-and-vod-service-fandango-acquires-walmart-owned-vudu/, live, The acquisition was completed on July 6, 2020.WEB, Lipman, Ashley, July 6, 2020, Vudu is Now Officially Part of the Fandango Family,www.xanjero.com/news/fandangos-acquisition-of-vudu-is-complete/, August 28, 2020, Xanjero, en, July 8, 2020,www.xanjero.com/news/fandangos-acquisition-of-vudu-is-complete/," title="web.archive.org/web/20200708030035www.xanjero.com/news/fandangos-acquisition-of-vudu-is-complete/,">web.archive.org/web/20200708030035www.xanjero.com/news/fandangos-acquisition-of-vudu-is-complete/, live,

Restructuring

Following Jeff Shell’s exit in 2023, NBCUniversal announced that corporate management will be led by a leadership team while Michael J. Cavanagh continues to oversee Comcast as a whole.WEB,www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/donna-langley-promoted-nbcuniversal-1235529970/, NBCUniversal Shake-Up: Donna Langley, Mark Lazarus, Cesar Conde Upped; Susan Rovner Out, Alex, Weprin, 6 July 2023, 9 July 2023, The Hollywood Reporter,

Notable people

Michael J. Cavanagh, President, Comcast
- Cesar Conde, Chairman, NBCUniversal News Group
  - Rebecca Blumenstein, President, NBC News Editorial
  - Luis FernÃ¡ndez, Chairman, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
  - Beau Ferrari, Senior Advisor to the Chairman of NBCUniversal News Group
  - Rashida Jones, President, MSNBC
  - Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local
  - KC Sullivan, President, CNBC
- Bonnie Hammer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal
- Kimberley D. Harris, Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation and General Counsel of NBCUniversal
- Anand Kini, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Comcast Corporation and Chief Financial Officer, NBCUniversal
- Donna Langley, Chairwoman, NBCUniversal Studio Group & Chief Content Officer
  - Jimmy Horowitz, Chairman, Business Affairs & Operations
  - Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairwoman, Universal Studio Group
  - Peter Levinsohn, Vice Chairman & Chief Distribution Officer, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group
- Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBCUniversal Media Group
  - Frances Berwick, Chairman, NBCUniversal Entertainment
  - Pete Bevacqua, Chairman, NBC Sports Group
  - Matt Bond, Chairman, Content Distribution

Matt Schnaars, President, Content Distribution

Mark Marshall, Chairman, Global Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal
Jenny Storms, Chief Marketing Officer, Entertainment and Sports
Matt Strauss, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International

Kelly Campbell, President, Peacock and Direct to Consumer, NBCUniversal

Adam Miller, Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal
- Jen Friedman, Executive Vice President, Communications
- Ian Trombley, President, Operations & Technology, NBCUniversal
- Vicki Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer, NBCUniversal
Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Destinations & Experiences
- Tom Mehrmann, President, Chief Operating Officer Universal Destinations & Experiences, Pacific Rim

Assets

Libraries

NBCUniversal Film & Entertainment

Universal Pictures film libraryWEB, Brands {{!, NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA |url=https://www.nbcuniversal.com/brands |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218224844www.nbcuniversal.com/brands |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=www.nbcuniversal.com}}
- Universal International Studios
  - Carnival Films
- Universal 1440 Entertainment
- DreamWorks Animation
  - DreamWorks ClassicsPRESS RELEASE, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Dreamworks Animation Agrees to Acquire Classic Media,www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-agrees-to-acquire-classic-media-163396666.html, PR Newswire, October 11, 2015, July 23, 2012, December 17, 2015,www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-agrees-to-acquire-classic-media-163396666.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20151217053326www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-agrees-to-acquire-classic-media-163396666.html,">web.archive.org/web/20151217053326www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-agrees-to-acquire-classic-media-163396666.html, live,

Universal Animation Studios
Illumination
- Illumination Studios Paris
- Illumination LabsWEB, April 5, 2021, Illumination Partners With Streetwear Brand Brain Dead For Experimental Short Films,www.cartoonbrew.com/shorts/illumination-partners-with-streetwear-brand-brain-dead-for-experimental-short-films-203800.html, Cartoon Brew,
- Moonlight
Focus Features film library
- Good Machine
- Gramercy Pictures
- October Films
- USA Films
- Universal Focus/Universal Classics
- Savoy Pictures
- Focus World
- Rogue Pictures (pre-2010)
Working Title Films
- WT2 Productions
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment film library (post-March 1996)
Castle Films/Universal 8
Amblin Partners film library
- Amblin Entertainment (only films released by Universal Pictures)
- DreamWorks Pictures film library (post-2016)
Blumhouse Productions film library (minority stake) (only films co-produced with Universal Pictures)
Back Lot Music discography
United International Pictures (50%)

Peacock original films

NBCUniversal Media Group

NBCUniversal Studio Group
- Universal Television library
  - Revue Studios
  - MCA TV

MTE

Heyday Television (joint venture with Heyday Films) Chocolate Media Lark Productions Lucky Giant Monkey Kingdom Matchbox Pictures Carnival Films

EMKA, Ltd.

Paramount Pictures film library (1929â€“1949) (excluding Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, owned by Warner Bros. via Turner Entertainment Co., The Story of Temple Drake, owned by Disney via 20th Century Studios, and six Paramount films (The Buccaneer, The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek, Sorry, Wrong Number, Bride of Vengeance, Rope of Sand and My Friend Irma), owned by Paramount itself)

Working Title Television
Telemundo originals

Telemundo of Puerto Rico Studios Telemundo Studios* Telemundo Global Studios* Telemundo Streaming Studios Underground Producciones Telemundo Films

Amblin Television (excluding co-productions with other companies)

DreamWorks Television (post-2008) (excluding co-productions with other companies)

NBC Studios (In the House and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air are distributed by Warner Bros. Television Studios due to a pre-NBCU syndication deal)

NBC Enterprises SNL Studios (joint venture with Lorne Michaels)

NBCUniversal News Group
- NBC News
  - CNBC
  - MSNBC
  - NBC News Studios

MSNBC Films

NBC News International
Peacock Productions

Peacock originals
USA Cable Entertainment library
- Syfy originals
- Bravo originals
- E! originals
  - E! Studios

Wilshire Studios

Oxygen originals
Universal Kids originals
G4 Media
- Style/Esquire Network originals
Chiller originals
Cloo originals
- Trio originals (post-2000)
Fearnet originals (excluding series produced by Sony Pictures Television and Lionsgate Television)

Seeso originals
Sky Vision

References

External links

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{{Official website}}

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NBCUniversal

History

Early history

Television

Combining with Universal

Global expansion

Comcast era (2011â€“present)

Attempted takeover of 21st Century Fox assets and Comcast’s subsequent acquisition of Sky

Preparation of Peacock streaming service

Vudu acquisition

Restructuring

Notable people

Assets

Libraries

NBCUniversal Film & Entertainment

NBCUniversal Media Group

See also

References

External links