Paramount Media Networks: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
No edit summary |
imported>ClarkKentWannabe No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|American mass media division}} | {{Short description|American mass media division}} | ||
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}} | |||
{{Infobox company | {{Infobox company | ||
| name = Paramount Media | | name = Paramount Skydance TV Media | ||
| logo = [[File:Paramount Media Networks.webp|frameless|class=skin-invert]] | | logo = [[File:Paramount Media Networks.webp|frameless|class=skin-invert]] | ||
| logo_size = 200px | | logo_size = 200px | ||
| former_names = {{plainlist| | | former_names = {{plainlist| | ||
* Warner Cable Communications (1977–1979) | * Warner Cable Communications (1977–1979) | ||
* Warner-Amex | * Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment (1979–1984) | ||
* MTV Networks (1984–2011) | * MTV Networks (1984–2011) | ||
* Viacom Media Networks ( | * Viacom Media Networks (2011–19) | ||
* ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks ( | * ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks (2019–22) | ||
}} | }} | ||
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]] | | type = [[Division (business)|Division]] | ||
| Line 19: | Line 20: | ||
| hq_location_country = U.S. | | hq_location_country = U.S. | ||
| brands = {{Flatlist| | | brands = {{Flatlist| | ||
* [[ | * [[BET]] | ||
* [[BET#BET Gospel|BET Gospel]] | |||
* [[BET Her]] | |||
* [[BET Jams]] | |||
* [[BET Soul]] | |||
* [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] | * [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] | ||
* [[Comedy Central]] | * [[Comedy Central]] | ||
| Line 39: | Line 44: | ||
}} | }} | ||
| owner = | | owner = | ||
| parent = | | parent = [[List of assets owned by Paramount Skydance#Paramount Skydance TV Media | Paramount Skydance TV Media ]] | ||
| divisions = {{Unbulleted list|[[ | | key_people = George Cheeks (Chairman)<br>Laurel Weir (Head of programming) | ||
| divisions = {{Unbulleted list|[[#MTV Entertainment Group|MTV Entertainment Group]]||[[Showtime Networks]]|[[BET Media Group]]|[[Nickelodeon Group]]}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:MTV Networks 1984.png|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The original prototype logo for MTV Networks.]] | [[File:MTV Networks 1984.png|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The original prototype logo for MTV Networks.]] | ||
| Line 46: | Line 52: | ||
[[File:Viacom media networks.svg|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The logo for Viacom Media Networks.]] | [[File:Viacom media networks.svg|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The logo for Viacom Media Networks.]] | ||
[[File:ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks logo 2019.png|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The first logo for ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks.]] | [[File:ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks logo 2019.png|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The first logo for ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks.]] | ||
'''Paramount Media Networks''' is the division of [[Paramount | '''Paramount Media Networks''' is the division of [[Paramount Skydance|Paramount Skydance Corporation]] that oversees the operations of its [[television channel]]s and online brands. The division was originally founded as '''MTV Networks''' in 1984, named after [[MTV]].<ref name="worldradio"/> It would be known under this name until 2011; when it would be thereafter known as '''Viacom Media Networks''' until 2019; and '''ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks''' until 2022. | ||
The division's television assets are managed through | The division's television assets are managed through four units: [[#MTV Entertainment Group|MTV Entertainment Group]], [[Showtime Networks]], [[BET Media Group]], and [[Nickelodeon Group]]. Paramount's international/foreign assets are overseen by [[Paramount International Networks]]. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
=== Pre-launch: Warner Communications joint venture (1977–1984) === | === Pre-launch: Warner Communications joint venture (1977–1984) === | ||
'''Warner Cable Communications''' was founded on December 1, 1977, by [[Time Warner Cable|Warner Cable]], itself a division of [[Warner Communications]], to launch [[QUBE]], an interactive cable television | '''Warner Cable Communications''' was founded on December 1, 1977, by [[Time Warner Cable|Warner Cable]], itself a division of [[Warner Communications]] (predecessor to Warner Bros. Discovery (which was at the time WarnerMedia, Time Warner, and AOL Time Warner)), to launch [[QUBE]], an interactive cable television system that mainly served in the Midwest state. Seeing the potential in the creation of new cable networks, Warner Cable divested QUBE's biggest brands: Star Channel (film), Pinwheel (youths) and Sight on Sound (music), into nationwide outlets. Star Channel began by satellite in January 1979 and was renamed as [[The Movie Channel]] by the end of the year. The original channel "C-3", by then known as Pinwheel, became [[Nickelodeon]] in April 1979. As a result of these actions, Warner Cable Communications would then be rebranded as '''Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment''', becoming a [[joint venture]] between Warner Cable and [[American Express]]. | ||
In 1980, Warner-Amex formed a joint venture with the now-defunct [[Cablevision]]'s Rainbow Media (now [[AMC Networks]]) division to launch [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]], a cable network dedicated to arts and films, on December 1, 1980. | In 1980, Warner-Amex formed a joint venture with the now-defunct [[Cablevision]]'s Rainbow Media (now as [[AMC Networks]]) division to launch [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]], a cable network dedicated to arts and films, on December 1, 1980. Because of the full control of the channel, however, was sold to Rainbow Media in 1984; [[NBC]] would acquire Bravo in 2003, and the channel is now currently owned by [[Comcast]]'s [[NBCUniversal]].<ref>{{Cite web |author1=MCN Staff |date=2002-11-04 |title=NBC to Buy Bravo |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nbc-buy-bravo-154810 |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=Multichannel News |language=en}}</ref> | ||
On August 1, 1981, [[MTV]] | On August 1, 1981, all-video channel [[MTV]] first introduced. In 1983, concerned by the strategic and financial failure of its pay-TV venture The Movie Channel (began to reap the benefits when Time Inc. was having with [[HBO]] and [[Cinemax]]), WASEC established a joint venture with [[Viacom (1952–2006)|Viacom]], merging TMC with their premium movie network Showtime to form [[Showtime Networks|Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc.]]; WASEC, however, had no operational involvement in the joint venture. | ||
=== Launch as MTV Networks, Viacom gets full ownership (1984–2011) === | === Launch as MTV Networks, Viacom gets full ownership (1984–2011) === | ||
On June 25, 1984, Warner Communications made the decision to divest | On June 25, 1984, Warner Communications made the decision to divest its assets to Warner-Amex Cable Entertainment and rebrand it as "MTV Networks".<ref name="worldradio">{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=June 25, 1984|title=Warner takes MTV, Nickelodeon public|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/84-OCR/BC-1984-06-25-OCR-Page-0058.pdf#search=%22mtv%20networks%22|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/19/business/business-people-a-chief-is-named-by-mtv-networks.html |title=BUSINESS PEOPLE; A Chief Is Named By MTV Networks |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July 19, 1985 |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref> A year later, Warner would acquire the 50% stake from American Express.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=August 12, 1985|title=Warner to buy out American Express; MTV to go private (page 29)|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-08-12.pdf|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 13, 2022}}</ref> | ||
On August 27, 1985, Warner sold 31% of MTV Networks to Viacom, with Warner also selling 19% of its Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc. joint to Viacom as well.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=August 27, 1985|title=Viacom to Buy Warner Stake In Cable Units|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1985/08/27/viacom-to-buy-warner-stake-in-cable-units/f9a17068-093d-4d39-be78-e7b0a0724ac4/|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=September 2, 1985|title=Viacom gets its MTV (page 50)|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-09-02.pdf|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 13, 2022}}</ref> | On August 27, 1985, Warner sold 31% of MTV Networks to Viacom, with Warner also selling 19% of its Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc. joint to Viacom as well.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=August 27, 1985|title=Viacom to Buy Warner Stake In Cable Units|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1985/08/27/viacom-to-buy-warner-stake-in-cable-units/f9a17068-093d-4d39-be78-e7b0a0724ac4/|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=September 2, 1985|title=Viacom gets its MTV (page 50)|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-09-02.pdf|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 13, 2022}}</ref> | ||
In November 1985, Viacom announced that it had plans to buy the remaining 69% of MTV Networks from Warner for $326 million,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fabrikant|first=Geraldine|date=1986-09-17|title=VIACOM CHIEF LEADS GROUP'S BUYOUT BID (Published 1986)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/17/business/viacom-chief-leads-group-s-buyout-bid.html|access-date=2021-01-23|issn=0362-4331|quote=In November 1985, Viacom acquired MTV Networks for $326 million in cash and warrants. One-third of MTV was publicly owned; the rest was owned by Warner Communications and the American Express Company. At the same time, Viacom bought 50 percent of Showtime, the pay | In November 1985, Viacom announced that it had plans to buy the remaining 69% of MTV Networks from Warner for $326 million,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fabrikant|first=Geraldine|date=1986-09-17|title=VIACOM CHIEF LEADS GROUP'S BUYOUT BID (Published 1986)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/17/business/viacom-chief-leads-group-s-buyout-bid.html|access-date=2021-01-23|issn=0362-4331|quote=In November 1985, Viacom acquired MTV Networks for $326 million in cash and warrants. One-third of MTV was publicly owned; the rest was owned by Warner Communications and the American Express Company. At the same time, Viacom bought 50 percent of Showtime, the pay-TV service, that it did not already own for $184 million.}}</ref> and the acquisition was completed on May 20, 1986.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=May 20, 1986|title=Viacom has bought MTV and Showtime/TMC|url= https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/86-OCR/BC-1986-05-26-OCR-Page-0045.pdf#search=%22viacom%20mtv%20networks%22|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 24, 2022}}</ref> | ||
In 1988, the company partnered with fellow Viacom subsidiary [[Viacom Productions|Viacom Enterprises]] to handle advertising sales of ''[[Superboy (TV series)|Superboy]]'', a syndicated television series.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1988 |title=Superboy barter |pages=61 |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/88-OCR/BC-1988-07-18-OCR-Page-0061.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> The division was later evolved into One World Entertainment in the early 1990s, who partnered to launch a [[VH1]] syndicated series.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Rich |date=October 5, 1992 |title=VH-1 looks for syndication hit |pages=32 |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-10-05-OCR-Page-0032.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> In 2003, MTV Networks assumed full ownership of [[Comedy Central]] from [[WarnerMedia|AOL Time Warner.]] | In 1988, the company partnered with fellow Viacom subsidiary [[Viacom Productions|Viacom Enterprises]] to handle advertising sales of ''[[Superboy (TV series)|Superboy]]'', a syndicated television series.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1988 |title=Superboy barter |pages=61 |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/88-OCR/BC-1988-07-18-OCR-Page-0061.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> The division was later evolved into One World Entertainment in the early 1990s, who partnered to launch a [[VH1]]-syndicated series.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Rich |date=October 5, 1992 |title=VH-1 looks for syndication hit |pages=32 |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-10-05-OCR-Page-0032.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> In 2003, MTV Networks assumed full ownership of [[Comedy Central]] from [[WarnerMedia|AOL Time Warner.]] | ||
On December 31, 2005, the remnants of MTV Networks and Showtime Networks were separated following Viacom's split into two entities: [[CBS Corporation]], which retained [[CBS]], [[UPN]], [[Simon & Schuster]] and Showtime Networks ([[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]], The Movie Channel, and [[Flix (TV network)|Flix]]), and a spun-off company under the [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]] name, which took ownership of [[Paramount Pictures]], [[BET Networks]] and MTV Networks (Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and VH1). | On December 31, 2005, the remnants of MTV Networks and Showtime Networks were separated following Viacom's split into two entities: [[CBS Corporation]], which retained [[CBS]], [[UPN]], [[Simon & Schuster]] and Showtime Networks ([[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]], The Movie Channel, and [[Flix (TV network)|Flix]]), and a spun-off company under the [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]] name, which took ownership of [[Paramount Pictures]], [[BET Networks]] and MTV Networks (Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and VH1). | ||
=== Expansion (2011–2019) === | === Expansion (2011–2019) === | ||
MTV Networks was renamed '''Viacom Media Networks''' in 2011. In | MTV Networks was renamed '''Viacom Media Networks''' in 2011. In Fall 2012, media analysts began to report that ratings among some of Viacom's leading brands in the U.S. were experiencing declines in viewership.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jannarone |first=John |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204005004578081250039467718 |title=Audiences Fall for MTV, Comedy Central |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=June 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Flint |first=Joe |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2012-oct-10-la-et-ct-mtv-ratings-20121010-story.html |title=MTV has big ratings issue, analyst warns |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=June 22, 2013}}</ref> MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon were of most concern to investors as the three account for roughly 50% of Viacom's operating profit, estimated David Bank of RBC Capital Markets. | ||
In 2017, Viacom announced a five-point restructuring plan, in which the company would pour most of its resources behind six "flagship brands". These were MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, [[Nick Jr. Channel]], [[BET]], and Paramount Pictures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/viacom-ceo-bob-bakish-supports-paramount-non-core-networks-how-long-1201906682/|title=Viacom CEO Supports Paramount And Non-Core Networks – But For How Long?|last=Lieberman|first=David|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/viacom-stock-rises-restructuring-410804|title=Viacom Stock Rises on Restructuring|website=Multichannel|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mesalliance.org/2017/02/09/viacom-unveils-five-point-turnaround-plan-mesa/|title=Viacom Unveils Five-Point Turnaround Plan (MESA)|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tbivision.com/2017/02/09/viacom-outlines-five-point-turnaround-plan/713091/|title=Viacom outlines five point turnaround plan|website=TBI Vision|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref> In February 2017, cable channels [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] and [[TV Land]] were moved from the Kids and Family Group to the Global Entertainment Group under Kevin Kay, joining up with Spike TV.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |title=Viacom Restructure: CMT, TV Land Moved to Kevin Kay's Global Entertainment Group |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-restructure-cmt-tv-land-moved-kevin-kays-global-entertainment-group-971007 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 1, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> During the same month, it was announced that Spike would be relaunched as [[Paramount Network]] in 2018, aligning with the namesake film studio and being positioned as Viacom's main general entertainment outlet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/spike-the-paramount-network-renamed-viacom-rebranding-1201906611/|title=Spike President On Channel's Rebranding As The Paramount Network|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=February 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/spike-name-change-the-paramount-network-viacom-1201906039/|title=Spike To Change Name & Become The Paramount Network In Viacom Rebranding|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref> BET Networks launched [[BET+]] in September | In 2017, Viacom announced a five-point restructuring plan, in which the company would pour most of its resources behind six "flagship brands". These were MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, [[Nick Jr. Channel]], [[BET]], and film studio Paramount Pictures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/viacom-ceo-bob-bakish-supports-paramount-non-core-networks-how-long-1201906682/|title=Viacom CEO Supports Paramount And Non-Core Networks – But For How Long?|last=Lieberman|first=David|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/viacom-stock-rises-restructuring-410804|title=Viacom Stock Rises on Restructuring|website=Multichannel|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mesalliance.org/2017/02/09/viacom-unveils-five-point-turnaround-plan-mesa/|title=Viacom Unveils Five-Point Turnaround Plan (MESA)|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019|archive-date=September 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902185251/https://www.mesalliance.org/2017/02/09/viacom-unveils-five-point-turnaround-plan-mesa/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tbivision.com/2017/02/09/viacom-outlines-five-point-turnaround-plan/713091/|title=Viacom outlines five point turnaround plan|website=TBI Vision|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref> In February 2017, cable channels [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] and [[TV Land]] were moved from the Kids and Family Group to the Global Entertainment Group under Kevin Kay, joining up with Spike TV.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |title=Viacom Restructure: CMT, TV Land Moved to Kevin Kay's Global Entertainment Group |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-restructure-cmt-tv-land-moved-kevin-kays-global-entertainment-group-971007 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 1, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> During the same month, it was announced that Spike would be relaunched as [[Paramount Network]] in 2018, aligning with the namesake film studio and being positioned as Viacom's main general entertainment outlet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/spike-the-paramount-network-renamed-viacom-rebranding-1201906611/|title=Spike President On Channel's Rebranding As The Paramount Network|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=February 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/spike-name-change-the-paramount-network-viacom-1201906039/|title=Spike To Change Name & Become The Paramount Network In Viacom Rebranding|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref> BET Networks launched [[BET+]] in September 2017. | ||
In October 2018, Kevin Kay was announced to be leaving his position as head of the Entertainment Group. CMT was transferred from the Entertainment Group to the Music Group under president Chris McCarthy, with his exit. Executive Kent Alterman would take charge of Paramount Network and TV Land to go with his current leadership of Comedy Central and [[Bellator MMA]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holloway |first1=Daniel |last2=Otterson |first2=Joe |title=Kevin Kay Exits Paramount Network as Viacom Reorganizes Cable Channels |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/kevin-kay-paramont-network-1202994450/ |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=Variety |date=October 25, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> | In October 2018, Kevin Kay was announced to be leaving his position as head of the Entertainment Group. CMT was transferred from the Entertainment Group to the Music Group under president Chris McCarthy, with his exit. Executive Kent Alterman would take charge of Paramount Network and TV Land to go with his current leadership of Comedy Central and [[Bellator MMA]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holloway |first1=Daniel |last2=Otterson |first2=Joe |title=Kevin Kay Exits Paramount Network as Viacom Reorganizes Cable Channels |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/kevin-kay-paramont-network-1202994450/ |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=Variety |date=October 25, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
| Line 79: | Line 85: | ||
=== Reintroduction and re-merger with CBS (2019–2024) === | === Reintroduction and re-merger with CBS (2019–2024) === | ||
In August 2019, Viacom announced that it would [[2019 merger of CBS and Viacom|merge with CBS Corporation]], reuniting the two entities under the [[Paramount Global|ViacomCBS]] name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-viacom-strike-deal-recombine-1075545|title=CBS, Viacom Strike Deal to Recombine|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=August 15, 2019|first1=George|last1=Szalai|first2=Paul|last2=Bond|first3=Etan|last3=Vlessing}}</ref><ref name="ViacomCBSOfficialPDF">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbscorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ViacomCBS-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf|title=CBS and Viacom To Combine|work=CBS|date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813190148/https://www.cbscorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ViacomCBS-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf|archive-date=August 13, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The merger closed on December 4, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/viacom-cbs-early-december-merger-1203386237/|title=Viacom, CBS Set to Merge in Early December|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8541228/viacom-cbs-merger-now-expected-to-close-in-early-december|title=Viacom-CBS Merger Now Expected to Close in 'Early December'|last=Weprin|first=Alex|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> Announced on November 11, 2019, as part of the re–merger, the Media Networks division was renamed '''ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks''', and | In August 2019, Viacom announced that it would [[2019 merger of CBS and Viacom|merge with CBS Corporation]], reuniting the two entities under the [[Paramount Global|ViacomCBS]] name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-viacom-strike-deal-recombine-1075545|title=CBS, Viacom Strike Deal to Recombine|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=August 15, 2019|first1=George|last1=Szalai|first2=Paul|last2=Bond|first3=Etan|last3=Vlessing}}</ref><ref name="ViacomCBSOfficialPDF">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbscorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ViacomCBS-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf|title=CBS and Viacom To Combine|work=CBS|date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813190148/https://www.cbscorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ViacomCBS-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf|archive-date=August 13, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The merger closed on December 4, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/viacom-cbs-early-december-merger-1203386237/|title=Viacom, CBS Set to Merge in Early December|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8541228/viacom-cbs-merger-now-expected-to-close-in-early-december|title=Viacom-CBS Merger Now Expected to Close in 'Early December'|last=Weprin|first=Alex|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> Announced on November 11, 2019, as part of the re–merger, the Media Networks division was renamed '''ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks''', and re-organized. | ||
MTV, VH1, CMT and [[Logo TV|Logo]] were | MTV, VH1, CMT and [[Logo TV|Logo]] were re-organized into the "Entertainment & Youth Group",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/11/viacomcbs-shakes-up-its-content-leadership-teams-following-merger/|title=ViacomCBS shakes up its content leadership teams following merger|website=TechCrunch|date=November 11, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref> with the addition of Comedy Central, Paramount Network, [[Smithsonian Channel]], and TV Land. BET Networks was merged with Showtime Networks under CEO [[David Nevins (television producer)|David Nevins]], who also temporarily gained oversight of [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop TV]] (formerly co-owned with [[Lionsgate Films|Lionsgate]]);<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191111005169/en/Viacom-CBS-Announce-Content-Digital-Leadership|title=Viacom and CBS Announce Content and Digital Leadership | Business Wire}}</ref> Pop TV was transferred to the Entertainment & Youth Group on January 15, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/pop-tv-bellator-mma-viacomcbs-1203468564|title=ViacomCBS Shuffles Oversight of Pop TV, Bellator MMA Amid Post-Merger Restructuring (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|work=Variety|date=January 15, 2020}}</ref> | ||
On February 16, 2022, ViacomCBS was renamed as Paramount Global, and ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks was renamed '''Paramount Media Networks'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2022-04-29 |title=Michael Fabiani Upped To SVP Communications, Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/michael-fabiani-promoted-svp-communications-paramount-media-networks-mtv-entertainment-studios-1235012916/ |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, MTV Entertainment Group partnered with Second Chance Studios to help formerly incarcerated individuals launch media careers.<ref>{{Cite | On February 16, 2022, ViacomCBS was renamed as Paramount Global, and ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks was renamed '''Paramount Media Networks'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2022-04-29 |title=Michael Fabiani Upped To SVP Communications, Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/michael-fabiani-promoted-svp-communications-paramount-media-networks-mtv-entertainment-studios-1235012916/ |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, MTV Entertainment Group partnered with Second Chance Studios to help formerly incarcerated individuals launch media careers.<ref>{{Cite press release |last=Studios |first=Second Chance |title=Second Chance Studios Graduates First Class of Formerly Incarcerated Fellows, Partnering with MTV Entertainment Group to Launch Media Careers |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/second-chance-studios-graduates-first-class-of-formerly-incarcerated-fellows-partnering-with-mtv-entertainment-group-to-launch-media-careers-301536721.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> On May 9, 2023, Paramount restructured its U.S. domestic network business.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/mtv-news-shuts-down-paramount-layoffs-showtime-networks-1235607638/|first=Jenniffer|last=Maas|date=2023-05-09|access-date=2023-05-18|title=Paramount Media Networks, Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios to Lay Off 25% of U.S. Staff as MTV News Shuts Down|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> | ||
Near the end of 2023, Paramount announced that the mobile apps for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and Showtime would cease operations at on January 31, 2024. The reason was to encourage users to sign up for [[Paramount+]]. The Nickelodeon Group shut down [[Noggin (brand)|Noggin]] on July 2 of that same year for the same reason. | Near the end of 2023, Paramount announced that the mobile apps for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and Showtime would cease operations at on January 31, 2024. The reason was to encourage users to sign up for [[Paramount+]]. The Nickelodeon Group shut down [[Noggin (brand)|Noggin]] on July 2 of that same year for the same reason. | ||
=== Paramount/Skydance merger (2024–present) === | === Paramount/Skydance merger (2024–present) === | ||
{{Main| | {{Main|Merger of Skydance Media and Paramount Global}} | ||
On April 29, 2024, President and CEO [[Bob Bakish]] was replaced | On April 29, 2024, President and CEO [[Bob Bakish]] was replaced by [[Brian Robbins]], George Cheeks, and [[Chris McCarthy (executive)|Chris McCarthy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=2024-04-29 |title=It's Official: Bob Bakish Is Out At Paramount Global, Trio Of Division Heads Form New Office Of The CEO |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/bob-bakish-leaving-paramount-global-division-heads-office-of-ceo-1235898125/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> This action was the result of Bakish's reported opposition of the Skydance deal.<ref name="LAAQQ">{{Cite web |last=James |first=Meg |date=July 3, 2024 |title=So the Paramount and Skydance deal is back on track. What happened and what's next? |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-07-03/paramount-and-skydance-deal-is-back-on-track-what-happened-and-whats-next |access-date=July 5, 2024 |website=[[The Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> McCarthy was legally designated the company's "interim principal executive officer" in order to comply with [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] regulations stipulating that one person must conduct "the normal course of business".<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=May 3, 2024 |title=Paramount Unveils Bob Bakish Exit Terms, Names Chris McCarthy 'Interim Principal Executive' For SEC Purposes |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/paramount-bob-bakish-exit-terms-chris-mccarthy-interim-principal-executive-1235904035/ |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref> | ||
By July 2, 2024, Skydance renegotiated the deal and reached a preliminary agreement to acquire National Amusements and merge with Paramount.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news | | By July 2, 2024, Skydance renegotiated the deal and reached a preliminary agreement to acquire National Amusements and merge with Paramount.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last1=Mullin |first1=Benjamin |last2=Hirsch |first2=Lauren |date=2024-07-02 |title=Paramount and Skydance Are Said to Reach a Deal to Merge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/02/business/media/paramount-skydance-merger-talks.html |access-date=2024-07-03 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The deal was referred by National Amusements to Paramount's special committee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzo |first=Lillian |date=July 2, 2024 |title=Skydance and National Amusements near Paramount deal as special committee reviews terms |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/skydance-national-amusements-paramount-deal-special-committee-reviews-rcna160084 |access-date=July 4, 2024 |publisher=[[NBC News]]}}</ref> Also, Paramount reportedly entered talks for a sale of the [[BET Media Group]] to buyers led by BET CEO [[Scott Mills (businessman)|Scott Mills]] for $1.6-$1.7 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=July 2, 2024 |title=Paramount Reportedly in Talks to Sell BET for $1.6 Billion in Buyout Led by CEO Scott Mills |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/paramount-bet-buyout-talks-scott-mills-1236059457/ |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref> | ||
On August 13, 2025, it was confirmed that [[BET Media Group]] is no longer up for sale and it was transferred from CBS Entertainment Group back to Paramount Media Networks. | |||
== Channels list == | == Channels list == | ||
| Line 101: | Line 109: | ||
!Launch | !Launch | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="4" | [[ | ! colspan="4" | BET Media Group and Premium Networks Group | ||
|- | |||
! rowspan="11" |[[Showtime Networks]] | |||
|[[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] | |||
|July 1, 1976 | |||
|- | |||
|Showtime 2 | |||
|October 1, 1991 | |||
|- | |||
|Showtime Showcase | |||
|1996 | |||
|- | |||
|SHO×BET | |||
|September 1999 | |||
|- | |||
|Showtime Extreme | |||
|March 10, 1998 | |||
|- | |||
|Showtime Family Zone | |||
|March 2001 | |||
|- | |||
|Showtime Next | |||
|March 2001 | |||
|- | |||
|Showtime Women | |||
|March 2001 | |||
|- | |||
|[[The Movie Channel]] | |||
|April 1, 1973 | |||
|- | |||
|The Movie Channel Xtra | |||
|October 1, 1997 | |||
|- | |||
|[[Flix (TV network)|Flix]] | |||
|August 1, 1992 | |||
|- | |||
! rowspan="5" |[[BET Media Group]] | |||
|[[BET]] | |||
|July 1, 1983 | |||
|- | |||
|[[BET Her]] | |||
|January 15, 1996 | |||
|- | |||
|[[BET#BET Gospel|BET Gospel]] | |||
|July 1, 2002 | |||
|- | |||
|[[BET#BET Jams|BET Jams]] | |||
|May 1, 2002 | |||
|- | |||
|[[BET Soul]] | |||
|August 1, 1998 | |||
|- | |||
! colspan="4" | [[#MTV Entertainment Group|MTV Entertainment Group]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
! rowspan="6" |MTV Branded Television | ! rowspan="6" |MTV Branded Television | ||
| Line 112: | Line 172: | ||
|[[MTV Classic (United States)|MTV Classic]] | |[[MTV Classic (United States)|MTV Classic]] | ||
|August 1, 1998 | |August 1, 1998 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[MTV Tres]] | |[[MTV Tres]] | ||
| Line 122: | Line 179: | ||
|January 20, 2004 | |January 20, 2004 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! rowspan=" | |[[MTV Live (TV channel)|MTV Live]] | ||
|January 16, 2006 | |||
|- | |||
! rowspan="9" | General Entertainment Content | |||
|[[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] | |[[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] | ||
|March 5, 1983 | |March 5, 1983 | ||
| Line 146: | Line 206: | ||
|[[TV Land]] | |[[TV Land]] | ||
|April 29, 1996 | |April 29, 1996 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[VH1]] | |[[VH1]] | ||
|January 1, 1985 | |January 1, 1985 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="4" | [[Nickelodeon Group]] | ! colspan="4" | [[Nickelodeon Group]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
! rowspan=" | ! rowspan="7" |Kids and Family Group | ||
|[[Nickelodeon]] | |[[Nickelodeon]] | ||
|April 1, 1979 | |April 1, 1979 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[Nick at Nite]] | |[[Nick at Nite]] | ||
|July 1, 1985 | |July 1, 1985 | ||
| Line 177: | Line 231: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[Nicktoons (American TV channel)|Nicktoons]] | |[[Nicktoons (American TV channel)|Nicktoons]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Former channels === | === Former channels === | ||
* [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]]; sold to [[AMC Networks|Rainbow Media]] in 1984. | * [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]]; sold to [[AMC Networks|Rainbow Media]] in 1984. | ||
* [[Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids|Nick GAS]] (1999–2007) | * [[Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids|Nick GAS]] (1999–2007/09 on Dish because of problematic unknown factors) | ||
* [[VH1 Uno]] (2000–08); became '''MTVU''', focusing on music videos aimed at college-aged students. | * [[VH1 Uno]] (2000–08); became '''MTVU''', focusing on music videos aimed at college-aged students. | ||
* [[Noggin (brand)|Noggin]] (1999–2009); | * [[Noggin (brand)|Noggin]] (1999–2009); rebranded as '''Nick Jr. Channel''' in 2009. | ||
* [[TEENick#As programming blocks (2001–2009)|TEENick]] (Nickelodeon block, 2001–09) and [[The N]] (Noggin block, 2002–07); merged to form [[TeenNick]]. | * [[TEENick#As programming blocks (2001–2009)|TEENick]] (Nickelodeon block, 2001–09) and [[The N]] (Noggin block, 2002–07/09 on Dish); merged to form 24/7 [[TeenNick]]. | ||
* [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime Beyond]] (1999–2020), became '''SHO×BET''' in 2020. | * [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime Beyond]] (1999–2020), became '''SHO×BET''' in 2020. | ||
* [[MTVX]] | * [[MTVX]]; became '''MTV Jams''' in 2002, focusing on hip-hop music, and rebranded as BET Jams in October 2015. | ||
* [[VH1 MegaHits#VH1 MegaHits in the United States|VH1 MegaHits]] | * [[VH1 MegaHits#VH1 MegaHits in the United States|VH1 MegaHits]]; now as [[Logo TV]], but aimed at LGBTQ+ audiences. | ||
* [[AwesomenessTV]]; folded into Paramount Television Studios | |||
== Units == | == Units == | ||
| Line 256: | Line 252: | ||
| hq_location_city = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] | | hq_location_city = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] | ||
| hq_location_country = U.S. | | hq_location_country = U.S. | ||
| key_people = | | key_people = Laurel Weir (president and CEO) | ||
| brands = {{Flatlist| | | brands = {{Flatlist| | ||
* [[MTV]] | * [[MTV]] | ||
| Line 266: | Line 262: | ||
* [[Smithsonian Channel]] | * [[Smithsonian Channel]] | ||
* [[TV Land]] | * [[TV Land]] | ||
* [[VH1]] | |||
}} | }} | ||
| owner = | | owner = | ||
| parent = Paramount Media Networks | | parent = Paramount Media Networks | ||
| divisions = MTV Branded Television | | divisions = {{Unbulleted list|MTV Branded Television|General Entertainment Content}} | ||
| subsid = | | subsid = | ||
| website = {{URL|mtv.com}} | | website = {{URL|mtv.com}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
MTV Entertainment Group serves as the holdings company for Paramount's mature-oriented, general entertainment brands; such as its namesake flagship [[MTV]], [[Comedy Central]], and [[Paramount Network]].<ref>{{Cite | MTV Entertainment Group serves as the holdings company for Paramount's mature-oriented, general entertainment brands; such as its namesake flagship [[MTV]], [[Comedy Central]], and [[Paramount Network]].<ref>{{Cite press release |last=Studios |first=MTV Entertainment |title=MTV Entertainment Studios unveils expansive lineup of 90+ new and returning series across Paramount Media Networks and Paramount+, including MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT, Smithsonian Channel and Paramount Network |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mtv-entertainment-studios-unveils-expansive-lineup-of-90-new-and-returning-series-across-paramount-media-networks-and-paramount-including-mtv-comedy-central-vh1-cmt-smithsonian-channel-and-paramount-network-301550466.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> It operates two divisions: MTV Branded Television (MTV-related channels) & General Entertainment Content (non-MTV-related channels). | ||
====MTV Branded Television | ====MTV Branded Television==== | ||
* [[MTV]] | * [[MTV]] | ||
** [[MTV2]] | ** [[MTV2]] | ||
** [[MTV Classic ( | ** [[MTV Classic (United States)|MTV Classic]] | ||
** [[MTV | ** [[MTV Tres]] | ||
** [[MTVU]] | ** [[MTVU]] | ||
** [[MTV | ** [[MTV Live (TV channel)|MTV Live]] | ||
====General Entertainment Content | ====General Entertainment Content==== | ||
* [[Comedy Central]] | * [[Comedy Central]] | ||
** [[South Park Digital Studios]] (joint venture with [[Trey Parker]] & [[Matt Stone]]'s | ** [[South Park Digital Studios]] (joint venture with [[Trey Parker]] & [[Matt Stone]]'s Park County) | ||
* [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] | * [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] | ||
** [[CMT (Canadian TV channel)|CMT Canada]] (10% with [[Corus Entertainment | ** [[CMT (Canadian TV channel)|CMT Canada]] (10% with [[Corus Entertainment]]) | ||
** [[CMT Music]] | ** [[CMT Music]] | ||
* [[Logo TV]] | * [[Logo TV]] | ||
| Line 296: | Line 291: | ||
* [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop]]<ref name="DlEnt&Youth">{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Sarah Babineau & Keith Cox Promoted To Top Creative Posts At ViacomCBS' Entertainment & Youth Unit, Jonas Larsen Exits |url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/sarah-babineau-keith-cox-promoted-to-top-creative-posts-at-viacomcbs-entertainment-youth-unit-jonas-larsen-exits-1202832642/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116225950/https://deadline.com/2020/01/sarah-babineau-keith-cox-promoted-to-top-creative-posts-at-viacomcbs-entertainment-youth-unit-jonas-larsen-exits-1202832642/ |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> | * [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop]]<ref name="DlEnt&Youth">{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Sarah Babineau & Keith Cox Promoted To Top Creative Posts At ViacomCBS' Entertainment & Youth Unit, Jonas Larsen Exits |url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/sarah-babineau-keith-cox-promoted-to-top-creative-posts-at-viacomcbs-entertainment-youth-unit-jonas-larsen-exits-1202832642/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116225950/https://deadline.com/2020/01/sarah-babineau-keith-cox-promoted-to-top-creative-posts-at-viacomcbs-entertainment-youth-unit-jonas-larsen-exits-1202832642/ |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> | ||
* [[TV Land]] | * [[TV Land]] | ||
* [[VH1]] | |||
* [[Smithsonian Channel]] | * [[Smithsonian Channel]] | ||
** [[Smithsonian Channel (Canada)|Canada]] (6.67% minority stake; joint venture with [[Blue Ant Media]]) | ** [[Smithsonian Channel (Canada)|Canada]] (6.67% minority stake; joint venture with [[Blue Ant Media]]) | ||
=== Showtime Networks === | === Showtime Networks === | ||
| Line 339: | Line 314: | ||
* [[Nickelodeon]] | * [[Nickelodeon]] | ||
** [[Nick at Nite]] | ** [[Nick at Nite]] | ||
** [[Nick Jr.]] | ** [[Nick Jr.]] | ||
| Line 347: | Line 321: | ||
* [[NickMusic]] | * [[NickMusic]] | ||
== | === BET Media Group === | ||
[[BET Media Group]] owns networks aimed at African Americans, including [[BET]] and their related sister channels. | |||
* [[BET]] | |||
* [[BET Her]] | |||
* [[BET Gospel]] | |||
* [[BET Jams]] | |||
* [[BET Soul]] | |||
== Former assets == | |||
The company has owned | The company has owned many other internet properties including virtual pets website [[Neopets]]; [[Adobe Flash Player|Flash]] game websites AddictingGames.com and [[Shockwave (game portal)|Shockwave.com]]; online content production company [[Atom.com|Atom Entertainment]]; along with [[RateMyProfessors.com]], [[GameTrailers]], and [[iFilm]], all of which have been shut down or sold off during 2000s and 2010s. | ||
[[File: Manhattan New York City 2008 PD 44.JPG|thumb|right|New York headquarters]] | [[File: Manhattan New York City 2008 PD 44.JPG|thumb|right|New York headquarters]] | ||
| Line 358: | Line 337: | ||
In 2014, [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]] purchased a stake in [[multi-channel network]] [[Defy Media]], while offloading [[GameTrailers]], Addicting Games, and [[Shockwave (game portal)|Shockwave]] to Defy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.recode.net/2014/6/9/11627746/viacom-makes-a-web-video-bet-and-grabs-a-piece-of-defy-media|title=Viacom Makes a Web Video Bet, and Grabs a Piece of Defy Media|last=Kafka|first=Peter|date=June 9, 2014|work=Recode|access-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref> | In 2014, [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]] purchased a stake in [[multi-channel network]] [[Defy Media]], while offloading [[GameTrailers]], Addicting Games, and [[Shockwave (game portal)|Shockwave]] to Defy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.recode.net/2014/6/9/11627746/viacom-makes-a-web-video-bet-and-grabs-a-piece-of-defy-media|title=Viacom Makes a Web Video Bet, and Grabs a Piece of Defy Media|last=Kafka|first=Peter|date=June 9, 2014|work=Recode|access-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref> | ||
=== Harmonix and gaming === | |||
{{main|Harmonix}} | {{main|Harmonix}} | ||
In 2006, Viacom acquired [[Harmonix]], a video game studio oriented towards [[music video game]]s and the original developer of the ''[[Guitar Hero]]'' franchise, for $175 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/mtv-acquires-harmonix-for-usd-175-million|title=MTV acquires Harmonix for USD $175 million|work=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en}}</ref> The two subsequently collaborated on the creation of ''[[Rock Band (video game)|Rock Band]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/magazine/15-10/mf_harmonix_sb| title=A Glimpse Into Harmonix's Punk-Rock Design Process|publisher=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|first=Chris|last=Kohler|date=September 14, 2007|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref> That year, Viacom also acquired the gaming–oriented communications platform [[Xfire]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/viacom-to-acquire-xfire/1100-6148208/|title=Viacom to acquire Xfire|date=2006-04-24|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2017-10-09}}</ref> | In 2006, Viacom acquired [[Harmonix]], a video game studio oriented towards [[music video game]]s and the original developer of the ''[[Guitar Hero]]'' franchise, for $175 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/mtv-acquires-harmonix-for-usd-175-million|title=MTV acquires Harmonix for USD $175 million|work=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en}}</ref> The two subsequently collaborated on the creation of ''[[Rock Band (video game)|Rock Band]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/magazine/15-10/mf_harmonix_sb| title=A Glimpse Into Harmonix's Punk-Rock Design Process|publisher=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|first=Chris|last=Kohler|date=September 14, 2007|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref> That year, Viacom also acquired the gaming–oriented communications platform [[Xfire]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/viacom-to-acquire-xfire/1100-6148208/|title=Viacom to acquire Xfire|date=2006-04-24|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2017-10-09}}</ref> | ||
| Line 365: | Line 345: | ||
In 2011, Viacom established a short–lived, in–house development studio known as 345 Games, which was dedicated primarily to developing games based on Comedy Central, MTV and Spike properties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mtv-networks-group-launches-345-176160|title=MTV Networks Group Launches 345 Games|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en}}</ref> | In 2011, Viacom established a short–lived, in–house development studio known as 345 Games, which was dedicated primarily to developing games based on Comedy Central, MTV and Spike properties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mtv-networks-group-launches-345-176160|title=MTV Networks Group Launches 345 Games|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en}}</ref> | ||
== Viacom International == | |||
Viacom International Inc. was established in 1971, just a year after [[Viacom (1952–2005)|Viacom]] spun out from the [[CBS]] TV network and became Viacom's parent company. The company is responsible for copyrights and trademarks associated with Paramount Media Networks. The division also [[Brand licensing|licenses]] the product rights for their various properties and the dissemination of visual and textual television programs on a subscription/fee basis. The company jointly owns [[Comedy Central|Comedy Partners]] with Viacom Hearty Ha! Ha! LLC, who owned the [[Ha! (TV channel)|Ha!]] network as well as a stake in Comedy Central prior to [[Home Box Office, Inc.|HBO]]'s departure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] |title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval: Serial no. 85181456 |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85181456&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511081924/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85181456&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |access-date=June 17, 2013}} (see "Current Owner(s) Information")</ref> | |||
Viacom International also served as the licensee name and division for [[Paramount Stations Group|its group of television stations]] for FCC purposes before the 1995 Westinghouse/CBS merger. Former Viacom station [[WVIT]] in [[New Britain, Connecticut]] (serving [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]] and [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]]), which it owned from 1978 until 1997, took its call letters from the initials of Viacom International, and retains them to the present day under [[NBC Owned Television Stations|NBC ownership]]. | |||
In 2006, Viacom International was renamed to CBS Operations, Inc. by CBS Corporation, and its copyrights related to Viacom's cable networks were transferred to a subsidiary of the new Viacom also named Viacom International Inc. The new subsidiary remains in name-only unit active after the [[Paramount Skydance]] [[Merger of Skydance Media and Paramount Global|merger]]. Viacom International, Inc. folded into Viacom Media Networks in 2019. ViacomCBS International Inc. was used as an alternate trade name for the company during the 2020–21 television season, when the company was under ViacomCBS. | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 370: | Line 357: | ||
{{Paramount Media Networks}} | {{Paramount Media Networks}} | ||
{{Paramount | {{Paramount Skydance}} | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
| Line 377: | Line 364: | ||
[[Category:Cable network groups in the United States]] | [[Category:Cable network groups in the United States]] | ||
[[Category:Television broadcasting companies of the United States]] | [[Category:Television broadcasting companies of the United States]] | ||
[[Category:Paramount | [[Category:Paramount Skydance divisions|Domestic Media Networks]] | ||
[[Category:Former Warner Communications subsidiaries]] | [[Category:Former Warner Communications subsidiaries]] | ||
[[Category:Peabody Award winners]] | [[Category:Peabody Award winners]] | ||
| Line 384: | Line 371: | ||
[[Category:1986 mergers and acquisitions]] | [[Category:1986 mergers and acquisitions]] | ||
[[Category:Former joint ventures]] | [[Category:Former joint ventures]] | ||
[[category:Broadcasting companies of the United States]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:17, 25 December 2025
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Paramount Media Networks is the division of Paramount Skydance Corporation that oversees the operations of its television channels and online brands. The division was originally founded as MTV Networks in 1984, named after MTV.[1] It would be known under this name until 2011; when it would be thereafter known as Viacom Media Networks until 2019; and ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks until 2022.
The division's television assets are managed through four units: MTV Entertainment Group, Showtime Networks, BET Media Group, and Nickelodeon Group. Paramount's international/foreign assets are overseen by Paramount International Networks.
History
Pre-launch: Warner Communications joint venture (1977–1984)
Warner Cable Communications was founded on December 1, 1977, by Warner Cable, itself a division of Warner Communications (predecessor to Warner Bros. Discovery (which was at the time WarnerMedia, Time Warner, and AOL Time Warner)), to launch QUBE, an interactive cable television system that mainly served in the Midwest state. Seeing the potential in the creation of new cable networks, Warner Cable divested QUBE's biggest brands: Star Channel (film), Pinwheel (youths) and Sight on Sound (music), into nationwide outlets. Star Channel began by satellite in January 1979 and was renamed as The Movie Channel by the end of the year. The original channel "C-3", by then known as Pinwheel, became Nickelodeon in April 1979. As a result of these actions, Warner Cable Communications would then be rebranded as Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, becoming a joint venture between Warner Cable and American Express.
In 1980, Warner-Amex formed a joint venture with the now-defunct Cablevision's Rainbow Media (now as AMC Networks) division to launch Bravo, a cable network dedicated to arts and films, on December 1, 1980. Because of the full control of the channel, however, was sold to Rainbow Media in 1984; NBC would acquire Bravo in 2003, and the channel is now currently owned by Comcast's NBCUniversal.[2]
On August 1, 1981, all-video channel MTV first introduced. In 1983, concerned by the strategic and financial failure of its pay-TV venture The Movie Channel (began to reap the benefits when Time Inc. was having with HBO and Cinemax), WASEC established a joint venture with Viacom, merging TMC with their premium movie network Showtime to form Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc.; WASEC, however, had no operational involvement in the joint venture.
Launch as MTV Networks, Viacom gets full ownership (1984–2011)
On June 25, 1984, Warner Communications made the decision to divest its assets to Warner-Amex Cable Entertainment and rebrand it as "MTV Networks".[1][3] A year later, Warner would acquire the 50% stake from American Express.[4]
On August 27, 1985, Warner sold 31% of MTV Networks to Viacom, with Warner also selling 19% of its Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc. joint to Viacom as well.[5][6]
In November 1985, Viacom announced that it had plans to buy the remaining 69% of MTV Networks from Warner for $326 million,[7] and the acquisition was completed on May 20, 1986.[8]
In 1988, the company partnered with fellow Viacom subsidiary Viacom Enterprises to handle advertising sales of Superboy, a syndicated television series.[9] The division was later evolved into One World Entertainment in the early 1990s, who partnered to launch a VH1-syndicated series.[10] In 2003, MTV Networks assumed full ownership of Comedy Central from AOL Time Warner.
On December 31, 2005, the remnants of MTV Networks and Showtime Networks were separated following Viacom's split into two entities: CBS Corporation, which retained CBS, UPN, Simon & Schuster and Showtime Networks (Showtime, The Movie Channel, and Flix), and a spun-off company under the Viacom name, which took ownership of Paramount Pictures, BET Networks and MTV Networks (Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and VH1).
Expansion (2011–2019)
MTV Networks was renamed Viacom Media Networks in 2011. In Fall 2012, media analysts began to report that ratings among some of Viacom's leading brands in the U.S. were experiencing declines in viewership.[11][12] MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon were of most concern to investors as the three account for roughly 50% of Viacom's operating profit, estimated David Bank of RBC Capital Markets.
In 2017, Viacom announced a five-point restructuring plan, in which the company would pour most of its resources behind six "flagship brands". These were MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. Channel, BET, and film studio Paramount Pictures.[13][14][15][16] In February 2017, cable channels CMT and TV Land were moved from the Kids and Family Group to the Global Entertainment Group under Kevin Kay, joining up with Spike TV.[17] During the same month, it was announced that Spike would be relaunched as Paramount Network in 2018, aligning with the namesake film studio and being positioned as Viacom's main general entertainment outlet.[18][19] BET Networks launched BET+ in September 2017.
In October 2018, Kevin Kay was announced to be leaving his position as head of the Entertainment Group. CMT was transferred from the Entertainment Group to the Music Group under president Chris McCarthy, with his exit. Executive Kent Alterman would take charge of Paramount Network and TV Land to go with his current leadership of Comedy Central and Bellator MMA.[20]
In 2019, after acquiring the free streaming service Pluto TV, Viacom would launch several channels on the service branded after its Media Networks and company–owned IP.[21][22][23][24]
Reintroduction and re-merger with CBS (2019–2024)
In August 2019, Viacom announced that it would merge with CBS Corporation, reuniting the two entities under the ViacomCBS name.[25][26] The merger closed on December 4, 2019.[27][28] Announced on November 11, 2019, as part of the re–merger, the Media Networks division was renamed ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks, and re-organized.
MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo were re-organized into the "Entertainment & Youth Group",[29] with the addition of Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian Channel, and TV Land. BET Networks was merged with Showtime Networks under CEO David Nevins, who also temporarily gained oversight of Pop TV (formerly co-owned with Lionsgate);[30] Pop TV was transferred to the Entertainment & Youth Group on January 15, 2020.[31]
On February 16, 2022, ViacomCBS was renamed as Paramount Global, and ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks was renamed Paramount Media Networks.[32] In 2022, MTV Entertainment Group partnered with Second Chance Studios to help formerly incarcerated individuals launch media careers.[33] On May 9, 2023, Paramount restructured its U.S. domestic network business.[34]
Near the end of 2023, Paramount announced that the mobile apps for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and Showtime would cease operations at on January 31, 2024. The reason was to encourage users to sign up for Paramount+. The Nickelodeon Group shut down Noggin on July 2 of that same year for the same reason.
Paramount/Skydance merger (2024–present)
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". On April 29, 2024, President and CEO Bob Bakish was replaced by Brian Robbins, George Cheeks, and Chris McCarthy.[35] This action was the result of Bakish's reported opposition of the Skydance deal.[36] McCarthy was legally designated the company's "interim principal executive officer" in order to comply with SEC regulations stipulating that one person must conduct "the normal course of business".[37]
By July 2, 2024, Skydance renegotiated the deal and reached a preliminary agreement to acquire National Amusements and merge with Paramount.[38] The deal was referred by National Amusements to Paramount's special committee.[39] Also, Paramount reportedly entered talks for a sale of the BET Media Group to buyers led by BET CEO Scott Mills for $1.6-$1.7 billion.[40]
On August 13, 2025, it was confirmed that BET Media Group is no longer up for sale and it was transferred from CBS Entertainment Group back to Paramount Media Networks.
Channels list
Current channels
| Category | Name | Launch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BET Media Group and Premium Networks Group | |||
| Showtime Networks | Showtime | July 1, 1976 | |
| Showtime 2 | October 1, 1991 | ||
| Showtime Showcase | 1996 | ||
| SHO×BET | September 1999 | ||
| Showtime Extreme | March 10, 1998 | ||
| Showtime Family Zone | March 2001 | ||
| Showtime Next | March 2001 | ||
| Showtime Women | March 2001 | ||
| The Movie Channel | April 1, 1973 | ||
| The Movie Channel Xtra | October 1, 1997 | ||
| Flix | August 1, 1992 | ||
| BET Media Group | BET | July 1, 1983 | |
| BET Her | January 15, 1996 | ||
| BET Gospel | July 1, 2002 | ||
| BET Jams | May 1, 2002 | ||
| BET Soul | August 1, 1998 | ||
| MTV Entertainment Group | |||
| MTV Branded Television | MTV | August 1, 1981 | |
| MTV2 | August 1, 1996 | ||
| MTV Classic | August 1, 1998 | ||
| MTV Tres | August 1, 1998 | ||
| MTVU | January 20, 2004 | ||
| MTV Live | January 16, 2006 | ||
| General Entertainment Content | CMT | March 5, 1983 | |
| CMT Music | August 1, 1998 | ||
| Comedy Central | April 1, 1991 | ||
| Logo TV | June 30, 2005 | ||
| Paramount Network | March 7, 1983 | ||
| Pop TV | 1981 | ||
| Smithsonian Channel | September 26, 2007 | ||
| TV Land | April 29, 1996 | ||
| VH1 | January 1, 1985 | ||
| Nickelodeon Group | |||
| Kids and Family Group | Nickelodeon | April 1, 1979 | |
| Nick at Nite | July 1, 1985 | ||
| Nick Jr. | January 4, 1988 | ||
| Nick Jr. Channel | September 28, 2009 | ||
| TeenNick | |||
| NickMusic | May 1, 2002 | ||
| Nicktoons | |||
Former channels
- Bravo; sold to Rainbow Media in 1984.
- Nick GAS (1999–2007/09 on Dish because of problematic unknown factors)
- VH1 Uno (2000–08); became MTVU, focusing on music videos aimed at college-aged students.
- Noggin (1999–2009); rebranded as Nick Jr. Channel in 2009.
- TEENick (Nickelodeon block, 2001–09) and The N (Noggin block, 2002–07/09 on Dish); merged to form 24/7 TeenNick.
- Showtime Beyond (1999–2020), became SHO×BET in 2020.
- MTVX; became MTV Jams in 2002, focusing on hip-hop music, and rebranded as BET Jams in October 2015.
- VH1 MegaHits; now as Logo TV, but aimed at LGBTQ+ audiences.
- AwesomenessTV; folded into Paramount Television Studios
Units
MTV Entertainment Group
Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
MTV Entertainment Group serves as the holdings company for Paramount's mature-oriented, general entertainment brands; such as its namesake flagship MTV, Comedy Central, and Paramount Network.[41] It operates two divisions: MTV Branded Television (MTV-related channels) & General Entertainment Content (non-MTV-related channels).
MTV Branded Television
General Entertainment Content
- Comedy Central
- South Park Digital Studios (joint venture with Trey Parker & Matt Stone's Park County)
- CMT
- CMT Canada (10% with Corus Entertainment)
- CMT Music
- Logo TV
- Paramount Network[42][43]
- Pop[44]
- TV Land
- VH1
- Smithsonian Channel
- Canada (6.67% minority stake; joint venture with Blue Ant Media)
Showtime Networks
Showtime Networks oversees the company's premium networks, which include its flagship service, The Movie Channel, and Flix.
- Showtime
- Showtime 2
- Showtime Showcase
- SHO×BET
- Showtime Extreme
- Showtime Family Zone
- Showtime Next
- Showtime Women
- The Movie Channel
- The Movie Channel Xtra
- Flix
Nickelodeon Group
The Nickelodeon Group (also known as "Nickelodeon Networks Inc."; and as its family distribution name "Paramount Kids and Family Group") is an American entertainment company that oversees Paramount's children's entertainment assets, including its namesake cable network and Nickelodeon Animation Studio.
BET Media Group
BET Media Group owns networks aimed at African Americans, including BET and their related sister channels.
Former assets
The company has owned many other internet properties including virtual pets website Neopets; Flash game websites AddictingGames.com and Shockwave.com; online content production company Atom Entertainment; along with RateMyProfessors.com, GameTrailers, and iFilm, all of which have been shut down or sold off during 2000s and 2010s.
During the first quarter of 2008, iFilm was merged into Spike with its website re–branded and re–purposed as Spike.com.[45]
In 2014, Viacom purchased a stake in multi-channel network Defy Media, while offloading GameTrailers, Addicting Games, and Shockwave to Defy.[46]
Harmonix and gaming
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".
In 2006, Viacom acquired Harmonix, a video game studio oriented towards music video games and the original developer of the Guitar Hero franchise, for $175 million.[47] The two subsequently collaborated on the creation of Rock Band.[48] That year, Viacom also acquired the gaming–oriented communications platform Xfire.[49]
In 2010, Harmonix was divested to an investment firm to become an independent studio,[50][51] and Xfire was sold.[52]
In 2011, Viacom established a short–lived, in–house development studio known as 345 Games, which was dedicated primarily to developing games based on Comedy Central, MTV and Spike properties.[53]
Viacom International
Viacom International Inc. was established in 1971, just a year after Viacom spun out from the CBS TV network and became Viacom's parent company. The company is responsible for copyrights and trademarks associated with Paramount Media Networks. The division also licenses the product rights for their various properties and the dissemination of visual and textual television programs on a subscription/fee basis. The company jointly owns Comedy Partners with Viacom Hearty Ha! Ha! LLC, who owned the Ha! network as well as a stake in Comedy Central prior to HBO's departure.[54]
Viacom International also served as the licensee name and division for its group of television stations for FCC purposes before the 1995 Westinghouse/CBS merger. Former Viacom station WVIT in New Britain, Connecticut (serving Hartford and New Haven), which it owned from 1978 until 1997, took its call letters from the initials of Viacom International, and retains them to the present day under NBC ownership.
In 2006, Viacom International was renamed to CBS Operations, Inc. by CBS Corporation, and its copyrights related to Viacom's cable networks were transferred to a subsidiary of the new Viacom also named Viacom International Inc. The new subsidiary remains in name-only unit active after the Paramount Skydance merger. Viacom International, Inc. folded into Viacom Media Networks in 2019. ViacomCBS International Inc. was used as an alternate trade name for the company during the 2020–21 television season, when the company was under ViacomCBS.
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". (see "Current Owner(s) Information")
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Script error: No such module "Navbox". Template:Paramount Skydance Template:Authority control
Categories:
- Pages with script errors
- Pages with broken file links
- Paramount Media Networks
- Mass media companies established in 1977
- Cable network groups in the United States
- Television broadcasting companies of the United States
- Paramount Skydance divisions
- Former Warner Communications subsidiaries
- Peabody Award winners
- Companies based in New York City
- American companies established in 1977
- 1986 mergers and acquisitions
- Former joint ventures
- Broadcasting companies of the United States