Re: Is MSO Comcast a Media Company Also?
Thread- The answer is yes. And to add to their kingdom, they are now purchasing additional content from Viacom.
Since I'm attempting to follow the MSO world, I'm embarrassed to say, I missed the third largest MSO, Comcast's, foray into the content world. Comcast rarely makes the headlines. It's almost as if you have to dig for information on them. Unlike MSO Time Warner, which is in the headlines everyday.
Kind of interesting what is happening with both Time Warner and Comcast. I don't know what to make of it. And I really don't even know what to make of the AOL-Time Warner deal yet. All I know, is that it's extremely significant. I believe AOL-Time Warner are supposed to come out soon with some plans of how they plan to integrate the ISP, content, and broadband access all together. I don't think I've seen anything yet. -MikeM(From Florida)
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From Comcast Website: With content as another element of its corporate strategy, Comcast is the managing partner of QVC, the world's preeminent electronic retailer, and the controlling partner of E!Entertainment Television. In March 1996, Comcast strengthened its content portfolio with Comcast-Spectacor, which owns and operates the Philadelphia 76ers, the Philadelphia Flyers and Phantoms, and two indoor arenas, the First Union Center and First Union Spectrum. In 1997, Comcast created Comcast SportsNet, the super-regional sports network serving the Pennsylvania/New Jersey market. Comcast's other programming interests include The Golf Channel, Outdoor Life, and Speedvision.
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Comcast Buys Sports Nets
June 13, New York -- Viacom Inc. said Tuesday that it sold its stakes in Midwest Sports Channel, Midwest Sports Channel Wisconsin and Home Team Sports to Comcast Corp.
The deal -- which published reports estimated at $300 million -- gives Comcast ownership of three regional sports networks, including its own Philadelphia-based Comcast SportsNet.
Washington, D.C.-based Home Team Sports -- in which Fox Cable Networks Group is a limited partner -- serves about 4.7 million subscribers, while MSC and MSC Wisconsin combined have about 2.5 million subscribers.
"We are delighted to be the new owner and operator of HTS and MSC," Comcast president Brian Roberts said. "We are firm believers in the branding and marketing opportunities that sports programming provides us in key markets."
MTV Networks president and chief operating officer Mark Rosenthal said that while the properties were "highly valued," MTVN and Viacom were not in the business of sports and, therefore, they sold the properties to Comcast.
Viacom decided to sell the networks after completing its $91 billion CBS Corp. acquisition in May. |
