What's Up With... Paramount Global?

Issue #005

In-a-sentence:

Paramount's mountain of entertainment seems to be shrinking. They are in uncharted territory in the era of streaming, currently standing with the lowest market cap in the streaming landscape. The media and entertainment giant is currently being shepherded by CEO Robert Bakish.

The Low-down:?

• Paramount Global's stock price has plummeted over 40% in the past year, loosing nearly 10 basis points from a 52 week high of $24.00.
• After recently rejecting a $26 billion buyout by private equity firm Apollo Global Management. They're in an exclusive courtship with Skydance Media, the co-producer behind 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, for them to purchase a stake.

Back in Time

Paramount was a powerhouse in the golden age of Hollywood, producing iconic films like The Godfather and Breakfast at Tiffany's. They later diversified into television with mega-hits like Star Trek and Cheers, solidifying their position as a media giant.

The Turnaround

1. Keys to Past Success: (1) High-quality content creation. (2) Adaptability to new media formats (e.g., television).Turning Point Bullet 1: Double down on quality content creation. - Invest in producing high-budget, award-worthy films and television shows that can compete with streaming giants.
2. Akin to Taylor Swift re-recording her masters, Paramount needs to revitalize its content library with fresh and innovative programming.

Get Started:

1. First Steps to Recovery: (1) Leverage their library of classic content by creating reboots, sequels, and spin-offs for streaming platforms and what was old becomes new. (2) Forge strategic partnerships with other media companies to expand reach and distribution. If the other cable-first content companies haven't noticed yet, Netflix isn't getting smaller and if Paramount, wants to attempt to

Pop Quiz:

What Paramount produced show was nearly canceled during its first season when it ranked almost last in ratings for its premiere, but then became a ratings juggernaut for a decade.

Hint:?The show was mentioned in this piece.

This is issue #005 of What's Up With... A LinkedIn newsletter about companies that have gone down a rough patch and tracing a route for their comeback. If you like what you read leave a comment or tell me your favorite Back to the Future movie ??.

Read More:?

• https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/05/skydance-paramount-global-deal-details-of-david-ellison-bid.html?&qsearchterm=alex%20sherman
• https://www.wsj.com/business/media/skydance-backers-explore-all-cash-deal-to-gain-control-of-paramount-3530a409